Price guide · 2026
How much does an accountant cost in Australia?
Short answer: a straightforward individual tax return runs $100–$300, a company return $1,000–$3,000 a year, and an SMSF from $1,500. But the honest answer is “it depends” — here’s what drives the price for every service, so you can budget before you get a quote.
Typical accountant fees by service (2026)
| Service | Typical range | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Individual tax return Simple to moderate; agent-lodged with deductions. | $100–$300 | per return |
| Sole trader / ABN return Includes a business schedule and income reconciliation. | $300–$600 | per return |
| Company tax returnFull guide Small Pty Ltd; higher with multiple entities or complexity. | $1,000–$3,000 | per year |
| Small business accounting Annual compliance package — returns, financials, advice. | $1,500–$5,000 | per year |
| SMSF accounting & auditFull guide Fund accounting plus the mandatory independent audit. | $1,500–$3,000 | per year |
| BookkeepingFull guide Or a fixed monthly/quarterly retainer for regular work. | $40–$100 | per hour |
| BAS & GST lodgement Per quarter; depends on transaction volume and payroll. | $150–$500 | per BAS |
| Payroll services Scales with headcount and pay-run frequency. | $50–$200 | per month |
| Tax planning Pre-30-June strategy for investors and businesses. | $500–$2,500 | per engagement |
| Business advisory Structuring, forecasting, growth and exit advice. | $150–$400 | per hour |
| Trust / company setup Includes registration, deed and structure advice. | $500–$2,500 | one-off |
| Cryptocurrency tax Driven by exchange count and number of transactions. | $300–$1,500 | per return |
| Audit & assurance Highly scope-dependent — from SMSF to company audits. | $1,500–$10,000 | per engagement |
Ranges are indicative market prices for 2026, not a quote. Your real fee depends on your circumstances — always confirm the price in writing before work begins.
What makes an accountant cost more (or less)
Complexity of your affairs
One PAYG payslip is a world away from a company with entities, a rental portfolio and a share ledger. The more moving parts, the more hours.
Registered vs unregistered
A TPB-registered tax agent can lodge on your behalf and access extended deadlines. That expertise is priced in — and worth it when it protects you.
Fixed fee vs hourly
Compliance work (a return, a BAS) is often fixed-fee, so you know the price upfront. Advisory is usually hourly. Ask which applies before you start.
How organised you are
Clean, reconciled records cut an accountant's time sharply. A shoebox of receipts costs more than a tidy set of accounts — bookkeeping upstream saves fees downstream.
The cheapest quote is rarely the best value
A registered tax agent who finds one extra deduction, structures an entity correctly, or lodges on time can save you many times their fee. Compare accountants on verified client reviews and checked credentials — a “TPB Verified” badge means we’ve confirmed their registration against the Tax Practitioners Board register — not on price alone.
Accountant costs — frequently asked questions
How much does an accountant cost for a tax return in Australia?
A standard individual tax return lodged by a registered tax agent typically costs $100–$300 in 2026, depending on deductions and complexity. Add a business schedule (sole trader) and it's usually $300–$600. The fee is itself tax-deductible in the following year.
How much does an accountant charge per hour?
Hourly rates in Australia generally run $150–$400 for advisory and higher-level work, and $40–$100 for bookkeeping. Many accountants offer fixed-fee packages for compliance work so you know the cost before you commit.
How much does a company tax return cost?
For a small Pty Ltd, a company tax return and financial statements typically cost $1,000–$3,000 per year. Groups with multiple entities, trusts, or more complex reporting sit higher. Ask for a fixed-fee annual package covering the return, financials and lodgement.
How much does an SMSF accountant cost?
Self-managed super fund accounting plus the mandatory independent audit usually costs $1,500–$3,000 per year. Funds with more investments, properties or pension accounts cost more. SMSF work is specialised — use an accountant who does it regularly.
Is an accountant's fee tax-deductible?
Yes. The cost of managing your tax affairs — including fees paid to a registered tax agent for preparing and lodging returns — is generally deductible in the income year you pay it. Keep the invoice.
How do I find a good-value accountant?
Compare a few on verified client reviews and checked credentials rather than price alone — the cheapest quote can cost more if it misses deductions or lodges late. Our free 60-second matching quiz shortlists TPB-verified accountants who handle situations like yours.