When do I need a tax agent or accountant?

You should consider a registered tax agent if you have rental property income, business or sole trader income, capital gains from shares or property, foreign income, complex deductions, or if you are simply unsure and want peace of mind. A tax agent is also worth considering if you think you may have made errors in previous returns.

How much does a tax agent cost in Australia?

Fees vary widely. A straightforward individual return typically costs between $100 and $300 at a suburban tax agent or national chain. More complex returns involving business income, rental properties, or capital gains can cost $300–$600 or more. The fee itself is tax deductible in the following year.

What is the tax return lodgement deadline in Australia?

If you lodge your own return, the deadline is 31 October each year for the previous financial year. If you use a registered tax agent, you typically get an extended deadline — often 15 May of the following year — as long as you are on the agent's client list before 31 October.

Is the tax agent fee tax deductible?

Yes. The cost of managing your tax affairs — including fees paid to a registered tax agent — is tax deductible. You claim it in the year you pay it, not the year of the return it relates to.

Tax & Filing

Do I need an accountant, or can I do my own tax return in Australia?

Q: Can I do my own tax return in Australia?

Yes. The ATO's myTax tool (accessed via myGov) is free and suitable for straightforward returns. It pre-fills data from employers, banks, and government agencies, making simple returns quick to complete. Most Australians with only PAYG income and standard deductions can lodge accurately without an accountant.

Most Australians with PAYG income and simple deductions can lodge their own return free using myTax. You need a registered tax agent if you have rental income, capital gains, a side business, or complex deductions.

Most Australians with a single job and standard deductions can lodge their own tax return for free using the ATO's myTax tool. But if your situation is more complex — rental income, a side business, shares, or capital gains — a registered tax agent often pays for itself in deductions found and errors avoided.

General information only. Not personal tax or financial advice — speak to a registered tax agent for your situation.

What is myTax, and is it good enough?

myTax is the ATO's free online tax return tool, accessed through your myGov account. It pre-fills information reported by your employer, bank, government agencies, and health funds — so for many people, lodging a return is largely a matter of reviewing pre-filled data and adding any deductions.

myTax is well-suited for:

Employees with one or more PAYG jobs
People claiming straightforward work-related deductions (e.g., working from home, uniform, tools)
Simple investment income (bank interest, small dividends)
Government payment recipients

The ATO has made myTax increasingly capable over the years. If your situation is genuinely simple, DIY is a reasonable choice.

When is it worth using a registered tax agent?

A registered tax agent (accountant or BAS agent) adds the most value when your tax affairs are complex, when you're unsure what you can claim, or when the cost of getting it wrong exceeds their fee. Consider one if you have:

Rental property income — depreciation schedules, interest apportionment, and capital works deductions are easy to get wrong
Business or sole trader income — business income, GST, and deductions require more detailed reporting
Capital gains from shares or property — CGT calculations, cost base tracking, and discounts require care
Foreign income — overseas employment, foreign pensions, or overseas investments
Multiple income sources — side hustles, gig income, or multiple employers
Trust or partnership distributions
Prior year errors — an agent can amend previous lodgements

How much does a tax agent cost?

Fees vary by complexity and provider. Rough ranges:

Situation	Typical fee range
Simple individual return (PAYG only)	$100 – $250
Individual with investment income or WFH deductions	$150 – $350
Individual with rental property	$300 – $600+
Sole trader or small business	$400 – $1,000+

The good news: the fee itself is tax deductible in the year you pay it. A $250 fee at a 32.5% marginal rate effectively costs you around $169 after tax.

What is the lodgement deadline?

The standard deadline for individuals lodging their own return is 31 October each year (for the previous financial year ending 30 June).

If you are on a registered tax agent's client list before 31 October, you typically get an extended deadline — generally 15 May of the following year. This alone is a reason many people engage an agent even for relatively simple returns.

What can a good tax agent do that myTax can't?

Spot deductions you didn't know about — industry-specific claims, motor vehicle rules, home office nuances
Apply the right depreciation schedules for equipment and investment properties
Amend prior year returns if you've been under-claiming
Advise on structuring — timing of income and deductions, super contributions
Represent you if the ATO questions your return
Extend your lodgement deadline automatically

How do I find a registered tax agent?

Only use a registered tax agent — they must be registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) and are legally required to act in your best interests. You can verify anyone's registration on the TPB register.

Avoid anyone who isn't registered — they cannot legally charge you for tax agent services and you have no consumer protections if something goes wrong.

The simple rule of thumb:

If your income comes from one employer, you have no investments, and your deductions are straightforward — do it yourself in myTax. It's free, fast, and the pre-fill handles most of the work.

If you own property, run a business, have capital gains, or simply aren't sure — a registered tax agent will almost certainly find you more than they cost.

Not sure which camp you're in?

Your situation often looks simpler (or more complex) than it is. That's what we're building Zyloz for — helping you get a clear picture of your finances, and connecting you with a licensed professional when it's the right call.

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Disclaimer: This page contains general information only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Consult a registered tax agent for advice specific to your situation.