Using a professional tax accountant has many benefits. Tax returns can be tricky, and tax agents can help you prepare and submit your tax return. They are generally accountants registered to provide tax-related advice. Tax agents liaise closely with their clients to help them claim as many deductions as possible and get the biggest tax return. They can also help and provide advice for managing your taxes throughout the year.
- Online Express Tax Returns starting from $19
- Online Tax Adviser starting from $99*
- Business tax returns from $280*
H&R Block Tax Return Offer
Enjoy the flexibility of lodging your tax return online with H&R Block.
Use the Online Express tax return system to lodge your individual or business tax return in less than 10 minutes. H&R Block will guide you through the process with tips and tricks and an accountant will check your return before sending it to the ATO.
Or opt for an Online Tax Adviser to lodge your return online with the help of expert tax consultants who will prepare your return for you and maximise your refund.
Choosing a tax agent
Updated August 26th, 2019
Updated August 26th, 2019
Updated August 26th, 2019
Updated August 26th, 2019
Updated August 26th, 2019
Updated August 26th, 2019
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What is an accountant?
Accountants are professionals that specialise in expenses, financial audits, and other finance-related information. They may operate independently, providing advice to individuals, or they may operate within a business, performing bookkeeping duties. Accountants can act as tax agents, but in order to do so they must be registered with the Tax Practitioners Board.
What is a tax agent?
A tax agent is a specialist you can use to prepare and lodge your tax return. They can represent their client when dealing with the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Tax agents can assist you to get the most money back from your tax return. They must be registered with the overseeing organisation for tax professionals, the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB), to charge a fee for their service. Every tax agent accredited by the TPB meets the Board’s qualification and experience requirements.
Tax agents versus accountants - which is best for me?
As mentioned, tax agents are normally TPB-registered accountants. If you require a relatively simple tax return, or if you simply don’t want to complete one yourself, tax agents might be ideal. If, however, you have a business or are an individual with property and significant financial assets, an accountant might be necessary for handling these assets. Broadly, accountants will take their clients' future financial situation into consideration, whereas tax agents will not.
Will using a tax agent help with my tax return?
Online services such as the ATO’s myTax have made preparing and lodging your own tax return possible, if you have the time. Still, unless you’re a tax agent, the yearly tax return can be a chore. A tax agent can help you prepare and submit your tax return, help you maximise your deductions, ensure that your tax return is compliant and can assist with slightly more complicated matters if you have assets. But remember that you are still responsible for your final submitted document. The fee for hiring a tax agent is tax deductible, too.
Key benefits of using a tax agent
- Takes the stress out of competing your tax return.
- Saves you time, as they lodge your return for you on your behalf. Completing the form yourself can take hours.
- Can help get you more tax back by claiming more deductions.
- You can claim the cost of a tax agent as a deduction the following year.
- You can wait until into the new year to lodge your return if you use a tax agent. If you do your own tax, your return must be submitted to the ATO before the 31st of October.
- A tax agent can also provide personal advice in areas of taxation law.
- Many tax accountants can help lodge your tax return online, without needing to go into their office.
Any cons of using a tax agent?
- There is a fee for their service
- They will not provide general financial advice that isn't to do with tax
What qualifications should my tax agent have?
Tax agents must be registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) before they are able to charge for their service. Some practitioners can give advice and act as tax agents without being registered, as long as they are operating under a group that is registered by the TPB.
To be eligible as a registered tax agent, the individual must have a good record with no recent convictions, involvement in tax exploitation, ongoing bankruptcies, or imprisonment. Once registered, practitioners can bear the TPB registered symbol. You can find registered agents by visiting the Tax Practitioners Board website.
How do I find a cheap tax agent or accountant that best meets my needs?
Finding a good tax agent is similar to finding a good quality service of another variety. Seek out many quotes from many different sources and consider the following features:
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Fees. How much do they charge to complete a basic tax return?
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Types of returns. Can they perform more complex tax returns, such as those required by SMSFs, small businesses, sole traders and people with various income streams?
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Credentials. Make sure they are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board
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Qualifications. Check they have a relevant university degree such as accounting, commerce or law and how long they have been operating.
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Speed. How long will it take them to complete your tax return?
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Delivery mode. Can they help you online, or do you need to visit their office?
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Hours of operation. If you work standard business hours, it can be beneficial to find a tax agent open on weekends.
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Reputation. Do they have good reviews from past clients? Do you have any family and friends that have had a good experience with them?
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Do they specialise in any area? Some tax agents may specialise in tax returns for students, backpackers, seniors, immigrants and emigrants.
Where are you looking to find a tax agent?
Have a look at tax agents in each of the capital cities.
A checklist of general work related tax deductions.
Read more: Our tax guide for the end of the financial year.
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Alison Banney is the banking and investments editor at Finder. She has written about finance for over five years with her work featured on sites including Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine and Dynamic Business. She has previously worked at Westpac, and has written for several other major banks including BCU, Greater Bank and Gateway Credit Union. Alison has a Bachelor of Communications from Newcastle University, an ASIC RG146 Generic Knowledge Certification for financial advice and an ASIC RG146 Certification in Securities and Managed Investments.
What qualifications should my tax agent have?
I have a corporation in Australia that owns one property in Sydney. The only income is the monthly rental fee from one tenant and the expenses are that of the maintenance and upkeep of the property. The property has two bank accounts. I need an accountant to do the preparation and lodgement of the company tax returns. How much annual fees am I looking at annually?
Hi Tom,
Thanks for your inquiry
The fees you’ll be paying will depend on the tax agent handling your case. It would be best to consult with a professional tag agent in order for you to get an estimate of these fees.
Hope this information helps
Cheers,
Arnold
I had income from companies and I worked as a sole trader.
I have logged through ATO but couldn’t process business part.
Would you introduce a cheap tax agent?
Hi Jongsoon,
Thanks for your comment.
You’re on the right page! You can view tax agents, their services and fees on the table on this page. Or you get in touch directly with a tax agent through here.
Hope this helps.
Clarizza
A client has consulted a tax agent in relation to penalties and interest charged for late returns.
The agent wishes to charge the normal hourly rate plus a success fee that is a percentage of the penalties which may be remitted.
Is a success/bonus or contingency fee allowable?
Hi Rolf,
Thanks for your question.
The agent is legally able to do this per the Taxation Administration Act which allows you to claim back any expenses incurred by managing tax. You can also claim interest charged by the ATO on late payment of taxes and penalties.
Please note, as a comparison site, the advice we provide is of a general nature only.
I hope this helps.
Clarizza