How much does a tax return cost in Australia?
Start by matching your situation to a typical range, then confirm a quote. Price is driven by structure, the quality of your records, and how many schedules are needed.
Typical ranges
- Individual (salary/wages, basic deductions): $120–$300
- Individual with a rental property schedule: $200–$450 per property
- Individual with capital gains, shares or crypto: $250–$600+ depending on data quality
- Sole trader (no payroll, simple books): $250–$600
- Partnership (partnership return + 2 individual returns): $900–$2,200
- Trust (return + distribution minutes + beneficiary returns): $1,200–$3,000+
- Company year‑end (financial statements + company tax return): $1,500–$5,000+ based on turnover and reconciliations
- SMSF (annual return + independent audit): $2,000–$4,000+
- Amendments or private rulings (if needed): often $150–$600+ depending on scope
Quarterly BAS preparation sits outside the tax return but influences your overall annual compliance cost. BAS done well during the year typically reduces your year‑end tax return fee.
Australian context to keep in view
- What drives price up: missing or unreconciled bookkeeping, multiple rentals, complex CGT events, crypto or high‑volume share trading, motor vehicle logbooks, depreciation schedules, trust distributions, director loans (Div 7A), R&D or special claims.
- Fixed fee vs hourly: fixed fees give certainty and usually include defined schedules and ATO correspondence. Hourly can suit unusual one‑off work. Ask what’s included and excluded before you commit.
- Deadlines: individuals who self‑lodge are generally due 31 Oct; those on a registered tax agent list often receive extended lodgment dates. Businesses (companies, trusts, partnerships) typically have agent extensions—use them to avoid penalties and rush fees.
- Deductibility: fees paid to a registered tax agent to manage your tax affairs are generally tax deductible in the year you pay them.
- Right professional: a registered tax accountant handles income tax returns. A BAS agent can do BAS and some bookkeeping but not lodge income tax returns unless they are also a tax agent (see Can a BAS Agent Do Tax Returns).
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Confirm exactly what’s included for the price: preparation and lodgment, financial statements, all required schedules, depreciation, ATO correspondence, and amendments if needed. Make sure the scope matches the real work behind “how much does a tax return cost”.
Software fit
Ask whether they work in Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks and how they’ll review your file. A provider fluent in your stack can spend less time cleaning data and more time on tax outcomes.
Turnaround and communication
Clarify how quickly work starts, review points, what they need from you, and how urgent issues are handled during peak season. Faster turnarounds can cost more—book early to save.
Commercial fit
Compare fixed‑fee packages vs hourly rates, payment timing, and whether bookkeeping tidy‑up is required first. Bundling BAS, bookkeeping and year‑end can reduce the combined cost.
Best next steps
Gather the essentials: access to your accounting software, prior‑year return and depreciation schedules, bank feeds/reconciliations, payroll summaries, rental statements, and any CGT or crypto transaction reports.
Decide the support level you want—compliance only or ongoing help across BAS, payroll and reporting. Many small businesses benefit from a small business accountant who handles year‑end plus quarterly BAS and periodic reviews.
When you request a quote, ask for:
- A fixed fee with clear inclusions/exclusions
- Any pre‑work required (e.g., bookkeeping clean‑up)
- Expected turnaround and key deadlines
- How they’ll communicate progress and ATO updates
Frequently asked questions
How much does a tax return cost in Australia?
As a guide: $120–$300 for a simple individual return; $200–$450 with a rental schedule; $250–$600+ if you have capital gains, shares or crypto; $250–$600 for a sole trader; $900–$2,200 for a partnership package; $1,200–$3,000+ for a trust; $1,500–$5,000+ for company year‑end (financials + company return); $2,000–$4,000+ for an SMSF return and audit.
Why do prices vary so much?
Fees reflect structure, records quality, number of schedules (rentals, CGT, crypto, depreciation), catch‑up bookkeeping, and turnaround. Complex items like Div 7A, trust distributions and asset schedules add scope and cost.
Are tax agent fees tax deductible?
Yes. Fees you pay to a registered tax agent for managing your tax affairs are generally tax deductible in the year you pay them. Businesses also typically deduct year‑end accounting and tax costs.
Should I use a tax agent or lodge myself?
Use a registered tax agent if you have business income, investments, multiple schedules, complex deductions, capital gains, crypto or a trust/company. You’ll gain advice, error checks and often extended lodgment dates.