Whether you need your tax return done, help running the books for a small business or advice on a big financial decision, the right professional saves you time and stress. Here’s how to choose an accountant or tax agent in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, and how to check the other professionals you might need along the way.
Make sure they’re a registered tax agent
In Australia, only a tax agent registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) can charge you to prepare or lodge a tax return or give tax advice. You can search the TPB register by name or registration number. Not every bookkeeper or accountant is a registered tax agent, so it’s worth checking.
For business activity statements (BAS), you can use a registered tax agent or a registered BAS agent. BAS agents often handle bookkeeping, payroll and BAS lodgements for small businesses.
Look for the right qualifications and experience
Many accountants are members of a professional body such as CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) or the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Members have to keep their skills up to date and follow a code of ethics.
Experience matters too. If you’re a sole trader tradie, run a café, own rental properties or have a family trust, look for an accountant who already works with clients like you. Ask which accounting software they use and whether they can work with what you already have.
Know the lodgement deadlines
If you lodge your own tax return, it’s generally due by 31 October. If you’re on a registered tax agent’s client list before that date, you can usually lodge later under the agent’s lodgement program. Contact an agent before 31 October if you think you’ll need the extra time.
Talk about fees up front
Ask how they charge before you start. Some charge a fixed fee for a simple tax return, while business clients are often charged a fixed monthly fee or by the hour. Ask what’s included, such as phone calls, BAS lodgements or tax planning, so you’re not surprised by the bill. Accounting fees for managing your tax affairs may be tax deductible, so keep the invoice.
Checking lawyers, conveyancers and advisers
Our accountants, lawyers and finance category covers other professionals too. Here’s how to check them:
- Lawyers practising in Victoria must hold a practising certificate. You can check the register of lawyers on the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner website.
- Conveyancers in Victoria must be licensed by the Business Licensing Authority, which has a public register.
- Financial advisers must be listed on ASIC’s Financial Advisers Register, which shows their qualifications and the licensee they work under.
- Mortgage brokers must hold an Australian Credit Licence or be an authorised credit representative. You can check them on ASIC’s Professional Registers.
Questions worth asking
- Are you a registered tax agent, and what’s your registration number?
- Do you work with clients like me, such as sole traders or property investors?
- How do you charge, and what’s included in the fee?
- Which accounting software do you use?
- Who will I deal with day to day, and how quickly do you reply?
Find accountants and finance professionals near you
Local Business Near Me lists accountants, lawyers and finance professionals across Melbourne’s northern suburbs, and you can go straight to accountants if that’s all you need. Pick your suburb, compare local businesses and call them directly. It’s free to use and there’s no middleman taking a cut.
Run a small business yourself? Read our tips on free ways to get your local business found online.
