Cost guide · 2026
A small business typically pays $1,500–$5,000 a year for annual accounting and compliance — or $150–$400 a month on a bundled package that rolls in bookkeeping, BAS and the year-end return.
| Component | Typical range |
|---|---|
Annual accounts & tax return Year-end financial statements plus the business or company income tax return. | $1,000 – $3,000 |
Quarterly BAS / GST Per quarter if registered for GST — often bundled into a monthly fee. | $150 – $500 / BAS |
Ongoing bookkeeping Reconciliation, invoicing and reporting; scales with transaction volume. | $200 – $1,000+ / mo |
Payroll (if you have staff) STP reporting and super; rises with headcount and pay-run frequency. | $5 – $15 / payslip |
Indicative 2026 market ranges, not a quote. Always confirm your price in writing before work begins.
A sole trader adds a business schedule to a personal return. A Pty Ltd needs its own financial statements, company return and ASIC review — more structure, more cost, but often more tax saved.
A quiet consulting business is a fraction of the work of a busy trade or retail business with staff, inventory and hundreds of transactions a month.
Many firms roll bookkeeping, BAS and the year-end return into one monthly fee, so the cost is predictable and the books stay current — usually better value than a big annual catch-up.
Reconciled Xero/MYOB files cut the accountant's hours sharply. Messy or missing records mean a cleanup fee before compliance work can even start.
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Most small businesses pay $1,500–$5,000 a year for annual accounting and compliance in 2026, or $150–$400 a month on a bundled package that includes bookkeeping, BAS and the year-end return. The exact fee depends on your structure, turnover and how many services you need.
Typically: keeps your books reconciled (or reviews your bookkeeper's), lodges your quarterly BAS, prepares year-end financial statements and the tax return, manages ASIC and payroll obligations, and advises on structure and tax planning. Many bundle these into one monthly fee.
A monthly package is usually better value for an active business — the books stay current, cash flow is predictable, and you avoid a costly year-end cleanup. A one-off annual fee can suit a very simple business with low transaction volume.
Yes. Fees paid to a registered tax agent or accountant for managing your business's tax and compliance are a deductible business expense in the year you pay them. Keep the invoices.
Compare a few on verified client reviews and confirmed credentials, and ask each for a fixed-fee quote covering the same scope so you're comparing like for like. Our free 60-second quiz shortlists TPB-verified accountants who work with businesses your size.
AY Tax and Financial is an online accounting service established in 2016 that provides tax return preparation, bookkeeping, and accounting services for individuals and small businesses. They specialize in employment income, sole trader income, investment property reporting, share and cryptocurrency trading, and business record-keeping using accounting software.
AMA Accountants is a team of qualified accountants, registered tax agents and Xero-certified advisors providing accounting, tax, bookkeeping and advisory services across Australia. They help individuals, businesses and investors stay compliant, save time and make confident financial decisions. With over 25 years of combined experience, they offer personalised financial guidance and practical solutions.
With Accounting is a Melbourne-based accounting firm specializing in tax services and accounting solutions for individuals and small to medium-sized businesses. They offer services including tax returns, bookkeeping, business structure setup, and financial planning.
