As EOFY 2025 nears, Australian businesses should assess their website’s financial and functional health. From claiming deductions on hosting, software, and marketing to auditing e-commerce, security, and legal compliance, this checklist ensures your site is optimised for tax efficiency and growth. Planning ahead strengthens digital performance and maximises benefits in the new financial year.

As the End of the Financial Year (EOFY) 2025 approaches, businesses are busy wrapping up their financial reviews and tax preparations. While traditional accounting tasks take centre stage, there is another key area that often flies under the radar—your digital presence, especially your website.

In Australia’s digital-first economy, where 52.8% of consumers make weekly online purchases, maintaining a strong web presence has transitioned from optional to essential. This shift has changed business expenditure patterns, leading many business owners to ask: Are web hosting costs tax-deductible?

To help you stay on track, here is a practical EOFY checklist Australia for your website—ensuring it is not only performing well but also positioned for maximum tax efficiency. Let us walk through it.

1. Review Your Website Expenses for Tax Deductions

Your website is not just a digital storefront; it is also a source of potential tax savings. As you wrap up EOFY 2025, take a close look at all website-related expenses to maximise your deductions. Here is what to consider:

Web Hosting & Domain Names

These are essential running costs for any website.

  • Hosting fees (what you pay to keep your site online) and domain registration (your website’s address) are usually fully deductible in the same financial year.
  • Keep all invoices handy for your records.

Website Maintenance & Support

If you pay for ongoing upkeep, you are likely eligible for deductions.

Fees for security updates, developer support, or regular maintenance are usually claimable as operating expenses.

Software, Plugins & Subscriptions

Any tools that help your website run smoothly could be deductible.  Compile all invoices and statements for website-related services and subscriptions. Categorise them accurately for your accountant.

E-commerce platforms, SEO tools, security plugins, and premium themes (if used solely for business) can often be claimed.

Online Marketing & Advertising

Spending to attract visitors? It is likely deductible.

  • Google Ads, social media promotions, SEO services, and content marketing aimed at boosting your website traffic are generally fully claimable.
Read More: How to Prepare Your SME for the End of Financial Year (EOFY)

2. Assess Digital Assets and Depreciation

While many website costs can be claimed immediately, some significant investments may need to be depreciated over time. Here is what to consider:

Custom Software & Unique Digital Assets

If your business has invested in:

  • Custom-built platforms
  • Proprietary software
  • Specialised website functionality (like a unique booking or payment system)

These may qualify as intangible assets, meaning you could claim their cost gradually over several years rather than all at once.

Major Website Development Projects

For large-scale websites or complex overhauls that represent a substantial investment:

  • Development costs may need to be amortised (spread out over multiple years) instead of being fully deducted now.

3. Review E-Commerce and Payment Gateway Data

If you run an online store, EOFY is the perfect time to tidy up your e-commerce finances. Here is what to focus on:

Match Your Online Sales to Your Books

  • Pull reports from your Shopify, WooCommerce, or other e-commerce platform.
  • Cross-check these numbers with your bank deposits and accounting records.
  • Flag any discrepancies now to avoid headaches later.

Payment Processing Fees

Those small percentages add up.

  • Fees from Stripe, PayPal, Square or other payment gateways are fully deductible.
  • Include both transaction fees and monthly service charges.

Account for Returns & Refunds

Make sure all customer refunds are properly recorded. These reduce your taxable income, so they are important to track.

Your To-Do: 

  • Run detailed sales reports from all your selling platforms.
  • Gather payment processor statements.
  • Reconcile everything before submitting it to your accountant.

4. Optimise for User Experience and Compliance

Though these items don’t apply as direct tax deductions, they are essential for protecting your business and supporting revenue growth, which ultimately impacts your financial position. Let us make sure your digital house is in order:

Update Your Legal Documentation

Cookie Compliance Check

  •  If using analytics/tracking tools (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel):
  •   Is there a clear pop-up about cookies when visitors arrive?
  •   Can users easily decline tracking if they choose?
  •   Are you keeping proper records of consents received?

Accessibility Audit

Aim to meet WCAG 2.1 standards.

Basic Checks:  

  •  Alt text for all images
  •  Sufficient colour contrast
  •  Keyboard navigable menus
  •  Clear form labels
Your Compliance Checklist

  • Review and update all legal pages
  • Test cookie consent functionality
  • Run an automated accessibility scan
  • Schedule any necessary updates for Q1 of the new financial year
Read More: EOFY is Coming: Save BIG on Your Online Essentials

5. Data Backup and Security Audit

Your website’s security is just as important as your financial records. As you wrap up the financial year, take these steps to safeguard your online presence:

Backup Verification

  • Are automatic backups running regularly?
  • Are copies stored securely off-site (e.g., cloud storage, external servers)?
  • Can you quickly restore your site if needed?

Security Health Check

  • SSL Certificate: Is your site encrypted (visible in the browser bar)?
  • Firewall & Malware Protection: Are security plugins or services active? (These expenses are often tax-deductible.)
  • Software Updates: Are your CMS, plugins, and themes patched to the latest versions?

Password Protection

  • Are all admin logins (hosting, CMS, payment systems) using strong, unique passwords?
  • Consider a password manager for secure access.
Your Action Plan

  • Test a backup restore to ensure it works.  
  • Run a security scan (many hosting providers offer this).
  • Update passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible.

6. Plan for Digital Growth in the New Financial Year

The end of the financial year is not just about closing the books—it is your chance to plan for a stronger online presence in the year ahead. Here is how to set your website up for success:

Review This Year’s Digital Performance

  • Explore your website analytics (traffic, bounce rates, conversions).
  • Identify what worked (and what did not) in terms of user experience, engagement, and lead generation.

Budget for Smart Upgrades

Prioritise investments that will deliver ROI:

  • Speed/UX improvements (reduce loading times, streamline navigation)
  • Conversion tools (better CTAs, checkout optimisation)
  • Marketing tech (SEO, automation software)
Your Growth Action Plan

  • Set three measurable website goals.
  • Allocate budget to high-impact areas.
  • Schedule quarterly reviews to track progress.

The Bottom Line

Small businesses that implement this EOFY checklist in Australia today will enjoy both immediate operational benefits and long-term financial advantages when the new financial year begins.

Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you need domain registration, hosting, or a professional website refresh, Crazy Domains has the tools and expertise to help. Don’t leave your digital potential untapped—start FY 2025-26 with confidence! Explore Crazy Domains’ solutions today.