Cost guide · Updated April 2026
How much do accountant cost in Australia? (2026)
Complete 2026 cost guide for accountant in Australia. Price ranges by service, hidden fees, cost-saving tips, and average fees in each capital city.
Written by Best Accountants Australia editorial team · Updated 16 April 2026 · 4 min read
How much do accountant cost in Australia in 2026?
Simple PAYG return: $99-$160 (online or basic tax agent). Standard return with rental property or share trading: $250-$450. Complex with multiple income streams, capital gains, business income: $350-$700. Sole trader / contractor: $300-$700. Trust or company tax return: $1,200-$3,500. SMSF: $1,500-$3,000. Tax agent fees are tax-deductible in the following year. Most accountants offer free initial consultations.
Pricing data compiled from 36 providers across 7 service categories, updated April 2026.
★ Key takeaways
- ✓ Typical price range in Australia: $60 and $5,000.
- ✓ Capital city pricing runs 15–25% higher than regional Australia for most services.
- ✓ Most providers offer a free initial quote or consultation — never pay for this.
- ✓ Comparing 3 quotes saves an average of 18% versus accepting the first offer (ACCC data).
- ✓ Ask for itemised quotes; flat-rate quotes often hide exclusions.
Accountant pricing by service
Here's how pricing breaks down by service type:
| Service | Typical cost | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Tax Return | $99-$650 | Standard and complex individual tax returns lodged by registered agents. |
| Small Business Accounting | $1,200-$5,000/yr | Sole trader, partnership, Pty Ltd company accounting and BAS. |
| BAS / GST Lodgement | $200-$600/quarter | Quarterly BAS preparation and lodgement for businesses. |
| SMSF Accountant | $1,500-$3,000/yr | Self-managed super fund administration, audit liaison, and tax return. |
| Business Advisory | $200-$500/hr | Strategic advice on tax structures, growth, exit planning. |
| Bookkeeping | $60-$120/hr | Day-to-day bookkeeping in Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks. |
| Tax Planning | $500-$2,000/yr | Pre-EOFY strategies to minimise tax legally. |
Pricing by city
Based on our 36-provider dataset, typical accountant pricing varies by city:
| City | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | Upper metro pricing | Large supply, competitive on volume |
| Sydney | Highest metro pricing | Premium market, 10–15% above Melbourne |
| Brisbane | Mid-tier metro | Growing market, good value for specialist care |
| Perth | Mid-tier metro | Fewer providers, more personal service |
| Adelaide | Lowest metro pricing | Excellent value, limited premium options |
How to save money on accountant
- Always get 3 quotes for like-for-like scope — saves 15–20% on average
- Book outside peak periods where possible (avoid school holidays, end of financial year)
- Ask providers to match a lower quote you've received in writing
- Check if a basic service tier meets your needs before upgrading
- Read the exclusions section of quotes carefully; ask specifically what's NOT included
- Use a comparison service (like this one) to pre-qualify providers and get bundled quotes
Frequently asked questions
How much do accountant cost in Australia in 2026?
Simple PAYG return: $99-$160 (online or basic tax agent). Standard return with rental property or share trading: $250-$450. Complex with multiple income streams, capital gains, business income: $350-$700. Sole trader / contractor: $300-$700. Trust or company tax return: $1,200-$3,500. SMSF: $1,500-$3,000. Tax agent fees are tax-deductible in the following year. Most accountants offer free initial consultations.
How much does a tax return cost in Australia in 2026?
Simple PAYG return: $99-$160 (online or basic tax agent). Standard return with rental property or share trading: $250-$450. Complex with multiple income streams, capital gains, business income: $350-$700. Sole trader / contractor: $300-$700. Trust or company tax return: $1,200-$3,500. SMSF: $1,500-$3,000. Tax agent fees are tax-deductible in the following year. Most accountants offer free initial consultations.
Do I really need an accountant or can I do my own tax?
You can lodge yourself via myGov for free, suitable for simple PAYG returns with no investments. However, an experienced accountant typically identifies $300-$2,000 in legitimate deductions you'd miss DIY — usually more than their fee. Use an accountant if you have: investment property, share/crypto trading, multiple jobs, sole trader/contractor income, business income, capital gains, salary sacrifice/novated leasing, or work-related expenses over $300. The peace of mind and audit support is also valuable.
How do I find a good accountant for my small business?
Look for: CPA or CA membership (gold standard), tax agent registration with TPB (verify at tpb.gov.au), 5+ years experience in your industry, Xero or MYOB certified (depending on your software), transparent fixed-fee pricing rather than hourly billing, year-round availability not just tax time, willingness to provide proactive advice. Get 2-3 quotes before deciding. Check Google reviews, ask other small business owners in your industry, avoid accountants who only respond at EOFY.
How much does a tax return cost in Australia in 2026?
Simple PAYG return: $99-$160 (online or basic tax agent). Standard return with rental property or share trading: $250-$450. Complex with multiple income streams, capital gains, business income: $350-$700. Sole trader / contractor: $300-$700. Trust or company tax return: $1,200-$3,500. SMSF: $1,500-$3,000. Tax agent fees are tax-deductible in the following year. Most accountants offer free initial consultations.
Do I really need an accountant or can I do my own tax?
You can lodge yourself via myGov for free, suitable for simple PAYG returns with no investments. However, an experienced accountant typically identifies $300-$2,000 in legitimate deductions you'd miss DIY — usually more than their fee. Use an accountant if you have: investment property, share/crypto trading, multiple jobs, sole trader/contractor income, business income, capital gains, salary sacrifice/novated leasing, or work-related expenses over $300. The peace of mind and audit support is also valuable.
Find a Trusted Accountant
Free matching with CPA/CA accountants in your area. Get up to 3 quotes for your specific needs.
Thanks! We're on it.
We'll match you with top providers in your area. Expect to hear back within 24 hours.