Tax return cost in Australia 2026 typical fees by complexity + lodgement option

The Finance Desk · Editorial team, accountants + mortgage brokers + financial planners + conveyancers · Updated 11 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

MyTax is free and works for simple PAYG returns. Online services ($30-$120) handle moderate complexity. Accountants ($150-$1,200) are worth it once you have investments, business income, or complex situations. Deadline is 31 October self-lodge, extended to 15 May if you use an accountant engaged before October.

★Key takeaways

  • ✓MyTax (free): adequate for simple PAYG returns.
  • ✓Online services $30-$120: middle ground with some deduction review.
  • ✓Accountant $150-$1,200: pays for itself if your situation is even moderately complex.
  • ✓Deadline: 31 Oct self-lodge, 15 May next year if using an accountant.
  • ✓Late lodgement penalty: $330 base, escalating to $1,650 maximum.

Three lodgement paths and what they cost

Option Cost Best for
ATO MyTax (DIY)FreeSimple PAYG salary, basic deductions
Etax / H&R Block Online$30-$120Moderate complexity, want deduction review
H&R Block in-store$95-$250Walk-in service, simple-to-moderate returns
Accountant (small firm)$150-$600Individual returns with complexity
Accountant (specialist)$400-$1,200Property investors, business owners, traders
Big-firm accountant$800-$3,000+High-net-worth, complex multi-entity

Accountant tax return fees by situation

Your situation Typical accountant fee
PAYG only, basic deductions$150-$220
PAYG + work-from-home + motor vehicle$200-$280
PAYG + 1 investment property$280-$400
PAYG + 2-3 investment properties$400-$650
PAYG + share portfolio (occasional trades)$300-$500
PAYG + share trader (active)$500-$900
Sole trader / contractor$400-$800
Sole trader + GST registered (BAS)$600-$1,200
Pty Ltd director (return + company)$1,500-$3,500 combined
Trust beneficiary distributions$500-$1,200
Foreign income / FIF rules$700-$1,800+
CGT major event (business sale, large property)$1,500-$5,000+

Tax return deadlines in 2026

Lodgement path 2025-26 deadline
Self-lodge (MyTax, online)31 October 2026
Tax agent lodgement (engaged before 31 Oct)Up to 15 May 2027
Higher-risk clients via tax agent31 March 2027
Trust returns via tax agentVaries, often 31 March 2027

The 8-month extension for tax-agent-lodged returns is a key benefit of using an accountant beyond the cost-benefit math, particularly if you have complex returns that take time to prepare.

Late lodgement consequences

  • Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalty. $330 base, increasing by $330 every 28 days, capped at $1,650. Applies even if you ultimately owe nothing.
  • General Interest Charge (GIC). Currently around 10%/year on any tax debt. Compounds daily.
  • Loss of refund interest. If you are owed a refund, late lodgement just delays getting your own money back.
  • ATO file flagging. Repeated late lodgement increases future audit risk.
  • Cumulative tax debt. Multiple years of late returns can stack into substantial debts and penalties.

If you are already late on multiple years, the cheapest path is to engage an accountant to catch up. They can often negotiate FTL penalty reductions, particularly for clients with reasonable explanations and proactive engagement.

When MyTax is genuinely fine

  • Single PAYG employer with standard work-related deductions
  • Basic interest from one or two bank accounts
  • Modest dividend income from a few Australian shares
  • Charitable donations and basic deductions
  • You understand the rules for work-from-home claims, motor vehicle expenses, and common occupation-specific deductions
  • Your tax situation has not materially changed from last year

When MyTax is NOT enough

  • Any investment property
  • Significant share trading (especially with CGT events)
  • Business income or side hustle
  • Trust or company distributions
  • Foreign income or assets
  • Major life events (sold a property, got divorced, inherited)
  • Employee share scheme vests or RSU income
  • SMSF contributions or pension drawdowns
  • Significant medical or large one-off deductions

Compare quotes from 3 accountants

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Common questions

Tax return cost: frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest way to lodge a tax return in Australia?

ATO MyTax (free) is the cheapest option for simple PAYG salary returns. Online services (Etax, H&R Block Online) charge $30-$120 for assisted DIY with deduction review. Accountants charge $150-$1,200+ depending on complexity. Cheapest is not always best, missed deductions in DIY can cost more than the accountant fee.

When is the tax return deadline in Australia?

For self-lodgers (MyTax, online services): 31 October following the financial year end (30 June). For accountant-lodged returns: deadline extends to 15 May the following year (8 months extra) provided you engaged the accountant before 31 October. This extension alone is a major reason to use an accountant.

What if I lodge my tax return late?

Failure to lodge on time (FTL) penalty: $330 base penalty, increasing by $330 every 28 days up to $1,650 maximum. Interest on any tax debt accrues at the ATO general interest charge rate (~10%/year). If you are getting a refund, no penalty applies but you lose your interest by not having the money. Late lodgement also flags your file for ATO attention.

Can I claim my accountant fee on next year tax?

Yes. Fees for managing your tax affairs are deductible in the year paid. This includes preparation fees, tax advice, ATO objection costs, and BAS lodgement fees. Keep the invoice. The deduction effectively reduces the net cost of the accountant by your marginal tax rate (e.g., a $400 fee on a 32.5% tax rate has net cost of $270).

Do I have to lodge a tax return if I earned below the threshold?

If your taxable income is below the tax-free threshold ($18,200 for 2025-26) AND you had no PAYG tax withheld, you may not need to lodge. However, you usually still need to either lodge OR submit a "Non-Lodgement Advice" via the ATO. If any PAYG was withheld, lodging may give you a refund.

How much do I get back as a refund?

Depends entirely on your tax withheld vs tax owed. The average Australian refund is around $2,500. PAYG salary earners with standard work-related deductions typically refund $1,000-$3,500. Investment property owners often refund significantly more due to negative gearing benefits. Refund is not a windfall, it is your money returned because PAYG was over-withheld.

Can I lodge late prior-year returns?

Yes, the ATO allows late lodgement of prior years. You can lodge returns going back several years through MyTax or your accountant. FTL penalties may apply for each late return. ATO sometimes reduces penalties if you proactively catch up. If unsure, engage an accountant to bulk-handle prior years.

Are tax refund advance loans worth it?

Generally no. Refund advance services charge $50-$200 to give you your expected refund 1-3 weeks early. Effectively very high APR on a short loan. Unless you have an urgent financial need, lodge through MyTax and wait the 7-14 days for the standard ATO refund process.