Typical costs in Australia
Here are common price ranges small businesses see across Australia. Your exact cost will reflect scope, complexity, deadlines and software quality.
- Bookkeeping: $60–$120/hr. Cleanup and catch‑ups are often at the higher end.
- Payroll processing: $5–$15 per employee per pay run, plus setup $200–$600.
- BAS preparation and lodgement: $150–$450 per quarter (GST complexity and review depth drive price).
- Sole trader annual tax: $300–$1,200 depending on record quality and schedules.
- Company year‑end financials and company tax return: $1,500–$3,500+.
- Trust or partnership year‑end: $1,200–$3,000+ depending on distributions and schedules.
- Software setup or migration (e.g., Xero): $400–$1,500+ based on integrations and conversions.
- Virtual CFO/advisory: $800–$5,000+ per month depending on cadence and deliverables.
Monthly packages bundle routine tasks and can be more predictable:
- Sole trader, no GST: $200–$400+/month for bookkeeping and year‑end.
- Sole trader, with GST: $300–$600+/month for bookkeeping, BAS and year‑end.
- Small company with GST and payroll: $400–$1,500+/month for bookkeeping, BAS, payroll, year‑end and basic management reports.
How this usually works
Start with the practical outcome you need—BAS up to date, payroll running smoothly, year‑end lodged, or better monthly reporting. Then match that to scope and cadence. That turns “what does a small business accountant cost” into a concrete brief providers can quote on.
If you’re unsure whether you need a bookkeeper, a tax accountant, a BAS agent or broader accounting services, use the form below to outline your setup and timelines—we’ll suggest the right pathway and price band.
Australian context to keep in view
- Structure matters: sole trader vs company vs trust changes compliance steps and price.
- Transactions, payroll and inventory raise bookkeeping and review time.
- Cleanup and catch‑up work is priced separately; good records reduce total cost.
- Registered BAS agents handle GST/BAS; registered tax agents handle income tax. Some providers are both.
- Software fit (Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks) and add‑ons can improve accuracy and reduce hours.
- You can choose compliance only or add advisory for planning, KPIs and cash flow.
For scope clarity, compare roles: bookkeeper vs accountant and BAS agent vs accountant.
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Confirm the quote covers bookkeeping rhythm, BAS, payroll, year‑end, software support, and any cleanup or catch‑ups. Clarify inclusions and out‑of‑scope items.
Software fit
Ask how they use your stack (e.g., Xero + Hubdoc/DEXT + payroll add‑ons). Good workflow reduces errors and hours.
Turnaround and communication
Set expectations on month‑end timing, BAS deadlines, response SLAs and escalation during peak periods.
Commercial fit
Compare hourly vs fixed fees, meeting cadence, management reporting depth and whether you need advisory in addition to compliance.
Price examples by business type
- Micro sole trader, no GST, tidy records: $300–$800 per year for tax, or $200–$350/month bundled if you prefer ongoing support.
- Sole trader with GST and simple payroll: $300–$600/month including bookkeeping and quarterly BAS; year‑end often included or discounted.
- Consulting company with 1–3 staff, GST and payroll: $500–$1,200/month for bookkeeping, BAS, payroll, and annual reporting; $1,800–$3,500 for year‑end if not bundled.
- Retail/e‑commerce with inventory and multiple integrations: $900–$2,000+/month depending on sales channels, stock, and reconciliations.
These are indicative only. Your records, volume and deadlines can shift quotes up or down.
How to reduce your accounting costs
- Keep bank feeds, rules and receipt capture tools up to date to cut manual work.
- Lodge on time—urgent work attracts rush fees and compresses review time.
- Standardise payroll and item codes to reduce rework and queries.
- Agree a monthly scope and cadence so routine tasks stay routine.
- Use the right plan in your software and turn off unused add‑ons.
If you’re choosing software, see best accounting software for small business.
Best next steps
Write down the outcome, timeframe and any pain points (overdue BAS, payroll issues, cleanup, or switching providers). That’s the fastest route to an accurate price and a better provider fit.
- Still comparing roles? Start with bookkeeper vs accountant.
- Need compliance help now? Go to BAS agent services or tax accountant.
- New venture? See new business accountant.
- Want broader support? Explore the accounting services hub or small business page.
Frequently asked questions
What does a small business accountant cost?
Bookkeepers usually charge $60–$120/hr and accountants $150–$350/hr. BAS is commonly $150–$450 per quarter. Sole trader tax returns run $300–$1,200; company year‑end and tax $1,500–$3,500+. Monthly packages range from $200–$1,500+ depending on scope, transactions, payroll and GST.
What should I check before deciding?
Confirm structure, software, transaction volume, GST/BAS cycle, payroll headcount, inventory, and any catch‑up work. Decide if you want compliance only or advisory support. Ask for clear inclusions, turnaround and how out‑of‑scope items are billed.
When should I get professional advice?
When choices affect tax, structure, reporting deadlines, payroll, trust distributions, director/shareholder loans, ATO reviews, or major software and process changes.
Is it tax deductible?
Yes. Fees paid for managing business tax affairs—including bookkeeping, BAS and tax agent services—are generally deductible.
How do I get a tailored estimate?
Use the form below. Share your structure, software, transaction volume, payroll, BAS timing and any deadlines. You’ll receive a price range and recommended next steps.