Tax return costs in Australia vary widely based on complexity, ranging from free DIY lodgements for simple PAYG earners to several thousand dollars for companies with GST, payroll, assets, or compliance clean-ups.
Sole trader tax return costs are higher than individual returns because business income is reported through a Business and Professional Items (BPI) schedule and often involves GST, BAS reconciliation, and deduction reviews.
- Tax return fees are often tax deductible, which means the after-tax cost of using a registered tax agent is usually lower than it appears upfront.
Tax return costs in Australia can vary widely, from free DIY lodgements to accountant fees running into hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars. For many Australians, the real challenge isn’t just the cost, but understanding what you should actually be paying and whether the price is worth it.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly:
- How much a tax return costs in Australia
- What impacts the price
- How costs differ for sole traders and companies
- When paying a tax accountant can save you more money than doing it yourself
By the end, you’ll know what’s reasonable to pay, what’s included, and how to avoid overpaying while staying fully compliant with the ATO.
Before worrying about whether a tax return is “cheap” or “expensive,” first identify which category you fall into simple individual, sole trader, or company. Tax return costs rise mainly when you add business income, GST, assets, or multiple income streams, not just because you earn more. Once you know your category, you can focus on keeping records clean and planning ahead to stay at the lower end of the typical cost range.
What is the average cost of a tax return in Australia?
Tax return costs in Australia vary depending on how complex your finances are and whether you lodge yourself or use a registered tax agent. As a general guide, here’s what most Australians can expect to pay.
Taxpayer type | Typical cost range (AUD) | Who is it for |
Individual tax return (simple PAYG) | $0 – $150 | Salary and wage earners with one income source and minimal deductions |
Individual tax return (multiple incomes or deductions) | $150 – $350 | Employees with side hustles, investments, or significant work-related claims |
Sole trader tax return | $250 – $600+ | Self-employed individuals with business income and expenses |
Company tax return (Pty Ltd) | $1,000 – $3,000+ | Companies requiring financial statements and full ATO compliance |
Complex tax returns (property, shares, crypto, trusts) | $400 – $5,000+ | Taxpayers with multiple assets, reporting requirements, or historical clean-ups |
Quick tip: Lower-cost tax returns often involve minimal review and limited tax planning. While they may seem cheaper upfront, they can result in missed deductions or ATO issues later.
Why do tax return costs vary so much in Australia?
There’s no fixed “standard fee” for tax returns in Australia. Costs typically increase based on:
- The number of income sources and deductions
- Business or investment activity
- Record-keeping quality
- The level of advice and review included
This is why comparing tax return costs purely on price can be misleading.
How much does an individual tax return cost in Australia?
If you’re lodging an individual tax return, the cost usually comes down to how simple or complex your finances are. The table below will help you quickly see where you fit.
Individual tax rerun type | Typical cost range (AUD) | Next steps |
Simple individual tax return (one PAYG job, minimal deductions) | $0 – $150 | DIY can work, but a quick review helps avoid missed claims |
Individual tax return with multiple jobs or side income | $150 – $300 | A tax agent helps ensure everything is reported correctly |
Individual tax return with high work-related deductions | $200 – $350 | Professional support often leads to a better tax outcome |
Individual tax return with shares, ETFs, or dividends | $250 – $500+ | Accuracy is key to avoid ATO follow-ups |
Individual tax return with property, crypto, or capital gains | $300 – $1,000+ | Best handled by a registered tax agent |
Quick tip: If your income comes from more than one source, paying a little more for your tax return can often result in a higher refund or fewer ATO issues later.
How much does a sole trader tax return cost in Australia?
If you’re a sole trader, here’s an important thing many people don’t realise:
- You don’t lodge a separate “business tax return.”
- You lodge an individual tax return, with your business income and expenses reported through a Business and Professional Items (BPI) schedule.
This is why sole trader tax return costs can vary so much
Typical sole trader tax return costs (with and without GST)
Sole trader type | Tax return cost |
Not GST-registered | $299 (Turnover under $75k) |
GST-registered | From $549 (Turnover under $200k) |
Read more: Sole Trader Tax Rate in Australia: The Complete Guide
Why does GST registration increase sole trader tax return costs?
First: when do you have to register for GST?
In Australia, you generally need to register for GST once your turnover meets the $75,000 threshold (based on your current and projected GST turnover rules, with some exceptions).
Why GST registration increases your tax return cost in Australia
Once you’re GST-registered, your tax return can’t just be “roughly right.”
Your accountant usually needs to ensure:
- Income and expenses reconcile with BAS lodged during the year
- GST is correctly classified (taxable, GST-free, input-taxed)
- Private use adjustments are handled properly (vehicles, phone, home office)
In many cases, Business Activity Statement preparation is often priced separately unless it’s included in a bundle. Costs vary based on:
- Record quality
- Reporting frequency
- Whether additional labels apply (e.g., PAYG withholding instalments).
Important: A GST-registered sole trader quote only makes sense if you know whether BAS and GST reconciliation are included.
What’s included in a sole trader tax return fee?
A properly prepared sole trader tax return usually includes:
- Your individual tax return
- Your Business and Professional Items (BPI) schedule
- Checks that deductions are accurate and defensible if reviewed by the ATO
The ATO specifically notes the BPI schedule isn’t available to download and is lodged through myTax or a registered tax agent.
How much does a company tax return cost in Australia?
The cost of preparing and lodging a company tax return in Australia typically ranges from around $400 to over $5,000, depending on the size and complexity of the business. For most small to medium companies, the average cost usually falls between $1,500 and $2,500.
The final price depends less on revenue alone and more on how complex your company’s finances are and what compliance work is required.
Company tax return type | Typical cost range | Common inclusions |
Dormant or low-activity company (minimal or no transactions) | $400 – $800 | Company tax return, basic financial statements, compliance checks |
Micro or low-transaction company (few invoices, no payroll) | $800 – $1,500 | Financial statements, company tax return, depreciation review |
GST-registered trading company (regular income & expenses) | $1,500 – $2,500 | Company tax return, financials, GST/BAS reconciliation |
Company with payroll, assets, or capital gains | $2,500 – $4,000+ | Tax return, financials, payroll review, asset & CGT calculations |
Company with historical clean-up or compliance issues | $3,000 – $5,000+ | Prior-year corrections, reconciliation, risk and compliance review |
What factors affect company tax return costs?
Company tax return pricing varies widely due to the following factors:
- Complexity of the business
Multiple income streams, investments, capital gains, or asset purchases increase preparation time and review requirements. - Quality of record-keeping
Well-maintained accounting records reduce costs. Disorganised or incomplete records often result in additional clean-up fees. - GST and BAS obligations
If your company is GST-registered, tax return figures must reconcile with BAS lodged during the year. BAS preparation is often priced separately unless bundled. - Director and compliance considerations
Items such as director loan accounts (including Division 7A), depreciation schedules, and compliance checks can significantly affect pricing. - Service model and advisor experience
Fixed-fee packages are common for standard returns, while complex matters may be billed hourly. Hourly rates typically range from $100 to $400+, depending on experience and firm size.
Tax return costs rise as you move from individual to sole trader to company because the work shifts from simple reporting to full reconciliation and compliance. Sole traders add business income, GST, and BAS checks, while company returns layer in financial statements, payroll, asset depreciation, and compliance reviews like Division 7A, meaning complexity, not turnover alone, is what drives the price.
What should you check before comparing company tax return quotes?
- Company tax return fees are generally tax deductible
Fees paid to a registered tax agent for managing your company’s tax affairs can usually be claimed as a business deduction. - Always use a registered tax agent
Company tax returns must be lodged correctly to avoid penalties. You can verify a tax agent’s registration on the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) public register. - Quotes aren’t comparable unless inclusions are clear
Two prices may look similar, but one may exclude BAS reconciliation, financial statements, or compliance reviews.
What’s the best way to lodge a tax return in Australia?
Use the table below to pick the right way to lodge your tax return, based on your situation, not just the price.
Lodgement option | Typical cost | Best fit for | What you get | What you don’t get | Real risk level |
DIY (ATO myTax) | $0 | Employees with one PAYG job, no investments, basic deductions | Free lodgement, direct ATO submission | No advice, no review, no support if errors occur | High if your return isn’t very simple |
Online tax services | $80 – $300 | Simple individual returns where speed matters more than advice | Guided software, basic checks, electronic lodgement | Limited personal review, minimal ATO follow-up support | Medium for anything beyond basic |
$150 – $5,000+ | Individuals with multiple incomes, sole traders, companies | Expert review, correct reporting, compliance support, ATO representation | Cheapest upfront price | Low when handled properly |
If your return involves more than a payslip, choosing the right option upfront can save you time, stress, and costly fixes later.
Read more: Tax Accountant vs Tax Agent: Which One Should You Choose for Your Business?
Are tax return fees tax deductible in Australia?
Before deciding based on price alone, it’s worth understanding one key detail many people overlook:
Tax return fees are often tax deductible, which means the real cost is usually lower than it appears.
Use the table below to see how this applies to your situation.
Tax return type | Are tax return fees deductible | How the deduction works | Why it matters |
Individual tax return | Yes | Claimed in the income year you incur/pay the fee (often appears in your next tax return if you pay after 30 June) | Reduces future tax payable |
Sole trader | Yes | Claimed as a business expense in the same year | Lowers taxable business income |
Company tax return | Yes | Claimed by the company as a deductible expense | Reduces company tax liability |
BAS and GST services | Yes | Deductible when related to business income | Makes ongoing compliance more affordable |
ATO penalties or fines | No | Not deductible under tax law | Can’t be offset against tax |
Important: Deductions generally apply when fees are paid to a registered tax agent for managing your tax affairs.
When tax return fees are deductible, the real cost is often far lower than it looks upfront. That’s why choosing the right support isn’t about spending more, it’s about making a smarter, after-tax decision.
Read more: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Tax Accountant in Australia?
How can you reduce your tax return costs legally in Australia?
Tax return costs usually go up when things are rushed, unclear, or need fixing later. The good news? A few small habits can make a noticeable difference, without cutting corners.
1. Stay on top of your records
When everything is in one place, your tax return is faster to prepare.
If receipts, invoices, and bank statements are organised as you go, there’s far less clean-up work at tax time, which often means lower fees.
2. Keep business and personal spending separate
If you earn business income, mixing personal and business transactions is one of the biggest time-wasters during tax prep.
A separate bank account makes it much easier to see what’s claimable and speeds things up significantly.
3. Keep your accounting software up to date
Having accounting software is helpful, keeping it updated is what really matters.
When transactions are already reconciled, your tax return becomes a review job instead of a rebuild.
4. Lodge every year, even if it’s been a tough one
Missing years or lodging multiple returns at once usually adds complexity.
Even if cash flow is tight, lodging on time keeps things simpler, payment options can usually be sorted later.
5. Have a quick check-in before 30 June
A short conversation before the end of the financial year can prevent a lot of back-and-forth later.
It’s often the easiest way to clarify deductions, asset purchases, or structure questions before they become costly fixes.
6. Know what your quote covers
Not all tax return quotes include the same work.
Understanding whether things like BAS reconciliation, financial statements, or follow-up support are included helps you compare options properly and avoid surprises.
One of the easiest ways to reduce tax return costs is to minimise clean-up work. Keeping business and personal spending separate, reconciling transactions regularly, and lodging every year on time all reduce preparation time and risk. A short check-in before 30 June can also prevent last-minute fixes that often push your tax return into a higher cost bracket.
How can Sleek help reduce your tax return costs?
Hiring a tax accountant shouldn’t just be about filing returns, it should be about getting real value for your money. Sleek’s qualified tax accountants combine strong compliance expertise with forward-looking advice to help you save more than the cost of our service.
With Sleek, you get:
- Registered expertise: CPA and CA-qualified tax accountants registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB), so your tax return is prepared correctly and you’re protected if the ATO follows up.
- Transparent, fair pricing: Clear, fixed pricing agreed upfront, no hidden extras, no surprise bills. Our packages are designed to suit individuals, sole traders, and small businesses.
- Secure cloud access: Upload documents, track progress, and access your records anytime using secure, easy-to-use cloud tools, no chasing emails or lost paperwork.
- Year-round support: Tax questions don’t stop after lodgement. Our accountants are available throughout the year, whether your income changes, the ATO gets in touch, or you need advice before making a decision.
Stop paying more for less on tax. Speak to a Sleek tax accountant and get clarity before you lodge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do tax return costs increase when there’s “nothing unusual” in the year?
Even if your income hasn’t changed, costs can rise due to regulatory checks and reconciliation work. For example, GST-registered businesses still require BAS-to-tax return reconciliation, updated depreciation schedules, and compliance reviews (like Division 7A for companies). These checks are mandatory, even when nothing “new” happened.
How do Division 7A compliance checks impact company tax return costs?
Division 7A reviews can significantly increase company tax return costs because they require accountants to examine director loan accounts, repayments, minimum yearly repayments, and loan agreements. Even if no money moved during the year, the balances still need to be assessed for deemed dividends. This review is mandatory for many companies and adds both technical risk and preparation time, which is reflected in pricing.
How do depreciation schedules influence tax return pricing over multiple years?
Depreciation schedules aren’t recalculated from scratch each year, they’re carried forward and updated. If a schedule was prepared incorrectly in prior years or assets weren’t classified properly, accountants must rebuild or correct it. This increases current-year tax return costs and can also affect future returns, making accurate setup critical from the outset.
