When you set up your office, you may need new furniture, office equipment and information and communications systems. It's a good idea to shop around, compare prices, and ask for advice from other home-based business operators.

If you decide to rent or lease equipment, rather than buy, you may be able to claim the payments as a tax deduction - check the Tax Office website about business deductions.

The way you set up your business in your home may affect your tax deductions. See the Tax Office information on home-based work and deductions.

As you may be spending a lot of time there, make sure your workplace is a pleasant, comfortable and safe environment for you and your clients. WorkCover can provide you with advice about occupational health and safety.

You may need to employ staff or outsource work to contractors and you'll have certain obligations to them. See our section on employing people for more information about their work conditions.