“How much will it cost?” is the first question most people ask — and a fair one. Here's an honest, plain-English guide to what tax accountants typically charge in Australia, and how to think about value rather than just price.
The short answer
Accounting fees vary with the complexity of your affairs, your location and the firm. As a rough guide, a straightforward individual tax return handled by a registered agent often sits somewhere in the low hundreds of dollars; returns with rental properties, share portfolios or capital gains cost more because they take more work. Business work — BAS, bookkeeping, company and trust returns — is usually quoted based on the volume of transactions and the structure involved.
Rather than quote figures that go stale, we'll always give you a clear, upfront price for your situation before any work starts. No surprises on the invoice.
What drives the fee
- Complexity. One payment summary is quick. A salary plus a business plus two rentals plus some crypto is not.
- Your structure. A sole trader return is simpler (and cheaper) than a company plus trust plus the individuals behind them.
- The state of your records. Clean books cost less to work from than a shoebox of receipts — which is exactly why good bookkeeping saves money.
- The expertise behind it. A CPA practice and registered tax agent brings qualifications, accountability and professional indemnity insurance that a cheap online service doesn't.
Why the fee often pays for itself
A good accountant usually finds deductions you'd have missed, keeps you out of trouble with the ATO, and — crucially — their fee is itself tax-deductible. For business owners, the right structure and advice can save far more in tax than the accounting costs each year.
Cheap can be expensive
The lowest quote isn't always the best value. An under-claimed return, a missed concession, or a compliance mistake can cost many times what you saved on fees. What you want is someone who gets it right, explains it clearly, and is still there when a question comes up in six months.
What we do
We give every client a clear, fixed quote before we start, so you always know what you're paying. Get in touch for an honest estimate for your situation — whether that's a simple return, a business, or getting several years up to date.
Questions about your own situation?
Every situation is different. Book a free, no-obligation chat and we'll give you a straight answer.
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