Why Use a Tax Accountant

How this usually works

Work backwards from the real issue behind “why use a tax accountant.” Is it an upcoming lodgement, an ATO letter, a business change, a sale or restructure, or cash flow pressure from PAYG/GST?

Once the issue is clear, decide the pathway:

• Tax-only need (e.g. company tax return, CGT, FBT) — go to a tax accountant (registered tax agent).
• GST/BAS or payroll focus — a BAS agent and payroll services may be sufficient, with the tax accountant handling year-end.
• Messy books — start with bookkeeping services then finish with tax.
• Broader small business support — compare a small business accountant or accounting services package.

Australian context to keep in view

• Only a registered tax agent can provide income tax advice and lodge tax returns. You can check registration on the TPB public register.
• GST registration is generally required when turnover reaches $75,000 ($150,000 for non-profits). That triggers BAS reporting and often changes whether DIY makes sense.
• Single Touch Payroll (STP) requires real-time payroll reporting. Year-end finalisation and super obligations add risk if errors aren’t corrected before tax time.
• Using an agent can extend due dates via the ATO agent lodgement program, but records must still be kept accurately during the year.

What to compare before you commit

DIY vs using a tax accountant

DIY may work when

• You are an individual or very simple sole trader with few deductions and no employees.
• You are not registered for GST and have no business assets to depreciate or capital gains to calculate.

Use a tax accountant when

• You trade through a company, trust or partnership.
• You are registered for GST or have employees (STP, super, payroll tax as relevant).
• You have a business sale, major purchase, property/crypto/shares CGT, or director/shareholder loan issues (Division 7A).
• You need tax planning, not just compliance.

What a tax accountant can handle for you

• Company, trust, partnership and individual tax returns and year-end financial statements.
• Tax planning and estimates, including PAYG instalments and timing strategies.
• CGT calculations on property, shares or crypto and record-keeping guidance.
• FBT and motor vehicle logbook strategies where relevant.
• Division 7A compliance and trust distribution minutes.
• ATO representation, payment plans and responding to ATO reviews or audits.
• Coordination with bookkeeping services and BAS so records match tax outcomes.

Typical costs in Australia

Prices vary by complexity and quality. These ranges are indicative only:

• Individual (no business): $150–$350
• Sole trader: $250–$600
• Company or trust compliance: $1,200–$3,000+ (financials and tax return), with BAS, payroll and bookkeeping priced separately
• Tax planning/advisory: fixed-fee per project or hourly

Always request a written scope, inclusions, and how out-of-scope work is approved.

What to prepare before you reach out

• Entity details (ABN/ACN), business structure, owners and trading name.
• Software access (Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks) and any add-ons in use.
• Last set of financials and tax return, current BAS status, and payroll/STP status.
• Any ATO letters, due dates or pain points (e.g. late BAS, PAYG instalments too high).
• Your priority outcomes (e.g. accurate year-end, tax saved, cleaner books, ATO peace of mind).

Best next steps

Write down the exact outcome you want first. For example: lodge the company return on time, fix Division 7A, calculate CGT, plan for PAYG instalments, or clean up the books before year-end.

Then shortlist providers against that outcome, not just by title. Review the Tax Accountant page, compare with BAS Agent services and Bookkeeping services, and use the help centre articles below to fill any knowledge gaps.