One of the first questions people ask when looking for an accountant is: how much will this actually cost? The honest answer is that it varies significantly depending on what you need, where you are, and the experience level of the accountant. This guide breaks down typical accountant fees in Australia so you can budget accurately and compare quotes with confidence.
Individual Tax Return Fees
For a simple individual tax return with standard deductions (employment income, a few work-related expenses), you can generally expect to pay:
- Tax agent / high-street firm: $150 – $300
- Mid-tier suburban practice: $250 – $400
- Specialist with investment properties or multiple income sources: $400 – $800+
Many tax agents now offer online-only lodgement services for simpler returns at the lower end of this range. If your situation is straightforward, this is often the most cost-effective option.
Small Business Accounting Fees
For a sole trader, partnership, or small company, expect to pay more because the work involved is substantially greater. Typical annual fees for small business accounting in Australia include:
- Sole trader tax return and basic accounts: $600 – $1,500 per year
- Small company (Pty Ltd) year-end accounts and tax return: $2,000 – $5,000 per year
- BAS lodgement (GST quarterly): $200 – $500 per quarter
- Payroll (monthly management): $300 – $800 per month depending on staff numbers
- Full outsourced CFO / advisory: $1,500 – $5,000+ per month
Hourly Rates vs Fixed-Price Packages
Most accountants charge in one of two ways. Hourly rates for accounting work in Australia typically range from $150 to $400 per hour depending on the size of the firm and seniority of the person working on your file. Fixed-price packages are increasingly common, especially for routine work like BAS lodgement and annual tax returns. Fixed pricing is generally preferable for clients because it removes uncertainty and encourages the accountant to work efficiently.
What Affects the Price?
Several factors influence what you will pay:
- Location – CBD practices in Sydney and Melbourne tend to charge more than suburban or regional accountants
- Complexity – Investment properties, trusts, SMSFs, international income and multiple entities all add cost
- Record quality – If your books are a mess, you will pay more. Using Xero or MYOB and keeping records clean throughout the year reduces your bill substantially
- Firm size – The Big Four and mid-tier firms charge premium rates. Boutique practices often deliver comparable quality at lower cost
- Urgency – Rush jobs cost more
How to Get the Best Value
- Get at least two or three quotes before committing
- Ask for a fixed-price quote rather than hourly where possible
- Use cloud accounting software (Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks) to reduce prep time
- Keep receipts, bank statements, and records organised throughout the year
- Bundle services (tax return + BAS + year-end) with one firm for a better rate
Find Accountants and Compare Quotes
FIZO lists accredited accountants, tax agents, and bookkeepers across Australia with contact details so you can reach out and request quotes. Browse accountants near you on FIZO to compare your options.