Compare top accountants and tax agents across Australia

Simple PAYG return: $99-$160 (online or basic tax agent). Standard return with rental property or share trading: $250-$450. Complex with multiple income streams, capital gains, business income: $350-$700. Sole trader / contractor: $300-$700. Trust or company tax return: $1,200-$3,500. SMSF: $1,500-$3,000. Tax agent fees are tax-deductible in the following year. Most accountants offer free initial consultations.

You can lodge yourself via myGov for free, suitable for simple PAYG returns with no investments. However, an experienced accountant typically identifies $300-$2,000 in legitimate deductions you'd miss DIY — usually more than their fee. Use an accountant if you have: investment property, share/crypto trading, multiple jobs, sole trader/contractor income, business income, capital gains, salary sacrifice/novated leasing, or work-related expenses over $300. The peace of mind and audit support is also valuable.

Look for: CPA or CA membership (gold standard), tax agent registration with TPB (verify at tpb.gov.au), 5+ years experience in your industry, Xero or MYOB certified (depending on your software), transparent fixed-fee pricing rather than hourly billing, year-round availability not just tax time, willingness to provide proactive advice. Get 2-3 quotes before deciding. Check Google reviews, ask other small business owners in your industry, avoid accountants who only respond at EOFY.

All three are professional accounting bodies in Australia with similar standards: CPA Australia (Certified Practising Accountant) — 170,000+ members, focus on broader business and government accounting. CA ANZ (Chartered Accountants ANZ) — 136,000+ members, traditionally seen as elite, strong in big-firm advisory. IPA (Institute of Public Accountants) — 35,000+ members, focus on small-to-medium practice. For tax returns and small business work, all three are equivalent quality. Major banks/listed companies tend to prefer CA-qualified accountants for senior roles.

DIY via myGov: 31 October for the previous financial year (ends 30 June). Via registered tax agent: 15 May the following year (about 7 extra months). Late lodgement: $313 fine for first 4 weeks, then increasing penalties. If you're owed a refund and lodge late, no fine — but no refund either until you lodge. Best practice: lodge in July-August for fastest refund (most processed within 14 days).

Common deductible items: home office expenses (revised methods 2025), work-related travel (not commuting), uniforms (compulsory or with logo), self-education for current job, professional memberships, tools and equipment, mobile phone (work %), internet (work %). Each $300+ in deductions requires receipts. Industries have specific rules: tradies, teachers, nurses, real estate agents, drivers all have specific deduction guidelines published by the ATO. An accountant familiar with your industry typically identifies $500-$2,000 more than DIY.

Steps: 1) Find new accountant and discuss your situation. 2) Sign engagement letter with new accountant. 3) New accountant requests a "transfer of records" from old accountant — they'll send your tax records, financials, and ATO authority. 4) Notify ATO of agent change (new accountant handles this via Online Services for Agents). 5) Inform old accountant in writing that engagement is ending. The old accountant cannot withhold your records. Whole process takes 1-3 weeks. Best timing: just after your annual return is lodged.

Keep for 5 years: payslips/payment summaries, bank statements, receipts for all claimable expenses ($300+ requires receipt), motor vehicle logbook (12 weeks min), home office hours record, professional memberships, education invoices, charity donation receipts, investment statements (annual reports, dividend statements), property records (purchase contracts, rental income, depreciation reports), share/crypto transaction records, super contributions outside employer SG. Keep digital copies — ATO accepts photos of receipts.