Cost guide · 2026
How much does a company tax return cost?
For a small Pty Ltd, a company tax return plus financial statements typically costs $1,000–$3,000 a year — rising with turnover, extra entities, or messy books.
What makes up the fee
| Component | Typical range |
|---|---|
Company tax return & financial statements The core annual job — profit & loss, balance sheet, and the company return. | $900 – $2,500 |
ASIC annual review fee Paid to ASIC (a government charge, not the accountant); many accountants manage it for you. | $63 – $340 |
Quarterly BAS (if registered for GST) Per BAS — often quoted separately or bundled into a monthly package. | $150 – $500 |
Tax planning (optional) A pre-30-June strategy session to manage the company's tax position. | $500 – $2,000 |
Indicative 2026 market ranges, not a quote. Always confirm your price in writing before work begins.
What drives the price up or down
Turnover and transaction volume
A $150k contractor company is far quicker to prepare than a $2m business with inventory, staff and multiple revenue streams.
How many entities
A company plus a family trust plus a bucket company is three sets of accounts — priced accordingly. Group structures cost more but often save more tax.
Quality of your books
Clean Xero/MYOB files that reconcile cut the accountant's hours sharply. Poor or missing records mean a cleanup fee before the return can even start.
Complexity
Division 7A loans, R&D claims, trust distributions and franking calculations all add specialist time to the return.
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Frequently asked questions
What's included in a company tax return fee?
Typically: preparation of the annual financial statements (profit & loss and balance sheet), the company income tax return, and lodgement with the ATO. Many accountants also manage your ASIC annual review and can bundle BAS and tax planning.
Why does a company return cost more than a sole trader return?
A company is a separate legal entity that must prepare full financial statements and its own tax return, meet ASIC obligations, and track franking and Division 7A — all of which is more work than adding a business schedule to an individual return.
Are ASIC fees part of the accountant's fee?
No — the ASIC annual review fee is a government charge paid to ASIC, separate from your accountant's fee, though your accountant usually manages the payment and lodgement for you.
Is a company tax return fee tax-deductible?
Yes. Fees paid to a registered tax agent for preparing and lodging your company's return are a deductible business expense. Keep the invoice.
How do I find a good-value company accountant?
Compare a few on verified client reviews and checked credentials rather than the cheapest quote — a good accountant's structuring and planning usually saves more than the fee. Our free quiz shortlists TPB-verified accountants who act for businesses your size.