Tax Accountant for Companies

How this usually works

A good tax accountant for companies will begin with a scoped discovery call and access to your records (Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks, bank feeds, prior returns, payroll and BAS history). They will review your structure, turnover, software setup, deadlines and any ATO matters already in play.

Work then moves through three layers:

• Immediate triage: urgent lodgements, ATO letters, BAS/IAS catch‑ups, payroll/STP fixes, bank recs, and year‑end adjustments.
• Process design: lock in a monthly or quarterly workflow for coding, reconciliations, BAS, payroll and super, with clear evidence and approvals.
• Ongoing review and planning: year‑end company tax return, franking account management, Division 7A checks, asset schedules, and proactive tax planning.

Deliverables typically include BAS/IAS lodgements, the company income tax return, financial statements, tax planning notes, and an obligations calendar with reminders.

Services a company tax accountant can handle

• Company tax return preparation and lodgement, including end‑of‑year journals and workpapers.
• BAS/IAS (GST and PAYG), monthly or quarterly, and ATO lodgement program management.
• Payroll, STP, super guarantee, and payroll tax guidance (state‑based) to keep employees compliant.
• Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) returns and logbook/policy guidance where benefits are provided.
• Tax planning: quarterly estimates, dividend vs salary mix, franking credits and timing of deductions.
• Division 7A reviews and documentation for shareholder/director loans and unpaid present entitlements.
• Capital gains on shares, business assets and restructuring advice, working with your legal adviser as needed.
• ATO correspondence and representation, payment plans and interest remissions where appropriate.

Australian context to keep in view

• Check registration on the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) public register for both tax and BAS services.
• ATO due dates vary by lodgement program. Your provider should issue a clear calendar and handle reminders.
• Most base rate entities are taxed at 25% while non‑base rate companies are generally taxed at 30%. Your exact position depends on ATO criteria.
• Good providers speak in workflows, not just software names—expect clarity around tasks, owner actions and timing.

If your search is broader than company tax, use the Tax hub or Accounting services hub to narrow the next step.

What to compare before you commit

Pricing and engagement models

• Fixed fee company return: includes financial statements, tax return and standard workpapers.
• Monthly package: bookkeeping rhythm, BAS/IAS, payroll/STP and year‑end included at an agreed fee.
• Cleanup then package: one‑off historical tidy, then move to a predictable monthly or quarterly cadence.

Whichever model you choose, insist on a written scope, inclusions/exclusions, and how out‑of‑scope items are quoted.

Documents and access your accountant will request

• Prior year company tax return and financial statements.
• Accounting software access and bank/loan statements.
• Payroll, STP and super records; contractor summaries if any.
• Asset register, depreciation schedules and finance agreements.
• Shareholder, director and any inter‑company loan details.
• GST/BAS history and ATO correspondence.

Having these ready speeds up onboarding and reduces rework at year‑end.

Compliance calendar snapshot

• BAS/IAS: monthly or quarterly based on registration and turnover.
• Payroll/STP: per pay run; super guarantee by statutory due dates.
• FBT: annually for the FBT year if benefits are provided.
• Company income tax return: due dates vary by ATO lodgement program and agent status.

Your accountant should manage these dates and confirm who does what, by when, to avoid penalties and interest.

Best next steps

Write the exact outcome you want: a lodged company return, a BAS routine without stress, cleaner payroll and STP, or proactive planning to reduce surprises.

Then shortlist providers against that outcome. The right fit will explain the workflow clearly, set expectations early and connect tasks to your ATO calendar.

Use these related pages if you want to go deeper before getting in touch: Company Tax Return Accountant, Bookkeeping Services, BAS Agent Services, Payroll Services, or the broader Tax Accountant hub.