How this usually works
An effective tax accountant for law firms begins with a short diagnostic: your structure (sole practitioner, partnership, company, or trust), software (Xero or MYOB plus practice tools like LEAP, Actionstep, Smokeball or Clio), billing model, disbursement rules, trust arrangements and any ATO or deadline pressure.
Work then flows in three layers:
- Immediate triage: fix coding of disbursements, lodge overdue BAS, reconcile payroll/STP, address ATO notices, check trust and office bank reconciliations.
- Process design: clarify GST on on‑charges vs reimbursements, standardise billing and WIP recognition, align practice reports with the GL, document BAS/payroll cycles.
- Ongoing review: month‑end close, three‑way trust reconciliation, BAS and PAYG lodgements, year‑end tax planning and ATO PCG 2021/4 risk monitoring.
Law firm tax essentials in Australia
- GST and disbursements: your GST position varies depending on acting as principal vs agent; set rules inside your practice system and explain them on invoices.
- BAS and PAYG: reconcile GST, PAYG‑W and PAYG‑I to the ledger and practice reports before each BAS to prevent misstatements.
- Payroll and STP Phase 2: map allowances, deductions and super categories correctly for lawyers and support staff; review annual STP finalisation early.
- Trust account and tax: trust ledgers remain separate; ensure trust interest and any compliant transfers are treated correctly in the firm’s tax records.
- Professional firm profits: test partner distributions and service‑entity charges against ATO PCG 2021/4; document the policy you apply.
- WIP and revenue: keep clear rules for when work is recognised for billing and for tax; ensure recoverable expenses are not double‑counted.
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Confirm your scope covers bookkeeping cleanup, BAS/PAYG, payroll/STP, year‑end tax, trust reconciliation support and advice on profit allocation and disbursements.
Software fit
Ask for practical workflow explanations in your stack (e.g., LEAP→Xero sync, trust to office transfers, bank rules for disbursements), not just brand names.
Turnaround and communication
Set service levels for BAS week, payroll cut‑offs and year‑end; agree who signs off practice vs GL differences and how urgent ATO issues are escalated.
Commercial fit
Compare fixed‑fee vs retainer, meeting rhythm, reporting pack depth and whether you need compliance only or ongoing advisory for partners.
Common scenarios we handle for law firms
- Setting correct GST treatment on filing fees, search fees and other recoveries in practice management.
- Lodging overdue BAS and aligning the GL with practice reports to clear ATO debt and penalties.
- Reconciling payroll and super to STP Phase 2 and preparing year‑end finalisation without surprises.
- Designing a clean month‑end close: WIP and debtor checks, trust three‑way rec, GST and PAYG ready for BAS.
- Testing partner drawings, distributions and service‑entity charges against the ATO’s PCG 2021/4.
- Migrating to Xero or MYOB while maintaining continuity with LEAP, Actionstep, Smokeball or Clio.
Best next steps
Write down the exact outcome you want: correct GST on disbursements, clean trust recs, BAS up to date, payroll/STP compliant, year‑end tax position clarified, or advice on partner profit allocation.
Shortlist providers who can show their approach inside your software stack, explain how they’ll reconcile practice vs GL differences, and outline how they’ll keep BAS, payroll and trust work coordinated.
Use the related pages below to move into the most relevant subtopic or service hub, then make contact with the form when you’re ready.
Frequently asked questions
What does a tax accountant for law firms actually do?
They manage law firm‑specific tax and compliance: GST on fees and disbursements, BAS and PAYG, STP and super, trust account implications, partner profit allocation and year‑end tax, while keeping your practice and general ledgers aligned.
Do law firms charge GST on disbursements?
It depends. If you are on‑charging as principal, GST generally applies to the full amount you bill. If you are recovering an amount paid as an agent on behalf of the client, the reimbursement may be outside the scope of GST. Clear engagement terms and invoicing rules are essential.
How does ATO PCG 2021/4 affect our profit allocation?
PCG 2021/4 outlines the ATO’s risk assessment for profit allocation in professional firms, including law firms. Your accountant will assess how profits are distributed to principals, consider service‑entity arrangements and help you document a sustainable position.
Which software works best for legal practices?
Xero or MYOB combined with LEAP, Actionstep, Smokeball or Clio are common. Choose a provider who can demonstrate reconciliations, trust transfers, disbursement workflows and reporting inside your exact stack.
When should a law firm register for GST?
Most firms exceed the $75,000 GST turnover threshold quickly. Register early to avoid back‑dated GST and penalties, and to ensure invoicing and practice settings are configured correctly from day one.