How this usually works
The fastest way to answer “what does a tax accountant do” is to work backwards from your situation. What needs lodging? Which dates apply? What changed in the business? The answer determines whether you need a straight tax return, a BAS cleanup, payroll fixes, software corrections or proactive planning.
Common engagements include preparing and lodging annual tax returns, bringing BAS/IAS up to date, setting up GST/PAYG, aligning payroll with STP Phase 2, reviewing bookkeeping for tax accuracy, and planning before 30 June to manage cash flow and tax.
Australian context to keep in view
- Check the Tax Practitioners Board register to confirm a practitioner is a Registered Tax Agent (or BAS Agent for BAS‑only work).
- A strong fit blends registration, relevant industry experience, clear scope, transparent pricing and responsive communication.
- Deadlines: tax returns follow the agent lodgement program, BAS/IAS are usually monthly or quarterly, STP is per pay run with a finalisation due after year‑end.
- Key taxes a tax accountant navigates include income tax, GST, PAYG withholding/instalments, FBT and CGT, plus small business concessions.
- Software matters: expect competence in Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks, plus receipt capture and payroll add‑ons. Good accountants explain the workflow, not just the tool names.
- Advisory vs compliance: compliance meets the law; advisory translates numbers into decisions (pricing, structure, cash flow, dividends and distributions).
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Confirm exactly what’s included: tax returns (entity and individual), BAS/IAS, GST/PAYG setup, bookkeeping review or cleanup, year‑end journals, trust distribution minutes, ASIC or company secretarial tasks, and ATO correspondence handling.
Software fit
Ask how they’ll use your stack (Xero/MYOB/QuickBooks, payroll, expense capture) and what changes they’ll make for accuracy and audit trail. Ensure they can explain reconciliations in plain English.
Turnaround and communication
Clarify timelines around lodgement program dates, peak season response times, who your day‑to‑day contact is, and how urgent ATO letters or payment plans will be handled.
Commercial fit
Understand pricing (fixed vs hourly), what triggers out‑of‑scope fees, meeting cadence, and whether you want compliance only or ongoing advisory/tax planning support.
What a tax accountant actually does
Here is the practical, day‑to‑day work most business owners rely on a tax accountant to handle:
- Prepare and lodge income tax returns for companies, trusts, partnerships, sole traders and individuals (including directors).
- Advise on registrations and handle compliance: TFN/ABN, GST, PAYG withholding/instalments, FBT and payroll STP finalisation.
- Prepare and review BAS/IAS, reconcile GST and PAYG, and correct coding to avoid penalties and interest.
- Plan before year‑end: timing of asset purchases, super contributions, dividends/distributions, and using eligible small business concessions.
- Structure and transaction advice: setting up or changing entities, CGT impacts, Division 7A, trust distributions, and buying/selling a business.
- ATO representation: explain notices, request deferrals, negotiate payment plans, respond to reviews/audits, and manage lodgement program dates.
Best next steps
Write down the exact outcome you want first—e.g., lodge overdue returns, fix BAS, set up payroll and STP, switch to Xero, or plan year‑end tax. Then shortlist providers against that outcome, not the title alone.
If you’re ready to act, use the links below to move into the right pathway, or submit the form with your structure, software, deadlines and any ATO letters you’ve received.
Frequently asked questions
What Does a Tax Accountant Do?
They prepare and lodge your tax returns, manage BAS/IAS and GST, advise on structure and planning, and deal with the ATO on your behalf. In short: compliance handled, tax minimised within the law, and clearer decisions before deadlines.
What should I check before deciding?
Confirm TPB registration, scope (returns, BAS, payroll, software cleanup), pricing and turnaround, software capability (Xero/MYOB/QuickBooks), and how they’ll communicate around lodgement program dates and ATO letters.
When should I get professional advice?
At start‑up or restructure, before major asset purchases or business sales, when hiring staff, if you receive ATO notices, or when you want a plan to manage cash flow and tax before year‑end.
What is the safest next step?
Define your outcome, review the linked service pages, then use the form below to outline your structure, software and deadlines so the work can be scoped accurately.