Accountants for small business in Australia
Most small businesses use an accountant for tax returns, BAS and advice on structure, but the services and qualifications behind the word 'accountant' vary. This page explains who does what, how to check registration, and what to ask before engaging one.
This is a free, non-commercial reference page. It is general information only, not professional, legal, financial, tax or medical advice, and it does not rank or recommend any business. Listing in the directory is not an endorsement. Check current details with the official websites linked below.
The guide
The main things to understand.
What a small business accountant does
Common services include preparing income tax returns, lodging business activity statements, payroll and superannuation obligations, bookkeeping oversight, financial statements, and advice on business structure and cash flow.
Tax agents and BAS agents
Only registered tax agents can charge a fee to prepare and lodge tax returns or give tax advice on your behalf. Registered BAS agents can handle BAS, GST and payroll matters but not income tax returns. Both are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board, and registration can be checked on its public register.
Professional bodies
Many accountants also belong to a professional body, such as CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, or the Institute of Public Accountants. Membership involves education, ethics and continuing development requirements.
Bookkeeper or accountant
A bookkeeper records transactions and keeps the books up to date; an accountant interprets them, prepares returns and advises. Many small businesses use both, and good bookkeeping usually lowers the accountant's bill.
Fees
Accountants may charge fixed fees for defined work, hourly rates, or monthly packages that bundle compliance and advice. Ask for an engagement letter that sets out the scope and price.
Official sources
Check registration and find members of professional bodies.
Related. For an overview of the taxes themselves, see smallbusinesstaxes.com.au.
| Name | Location | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax Practitioners Board: Public register | National | www.tpb.gov.au/public-register | Check a tax or BAS agent's registration |
| CPA Australia | National | www.cpaaustralia.com.au | |
| Chartered Accountants ANZ: Find a CA | Australia and New Zealand | www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/find-a-ca | |
| Institute of Public Accountants | National | www.publicaccountants.org.au | |
| business.gov.au | National | business.gov.au |
Inclusion in this directory is not an endorsement. Links are to official websites as published at the time of checking.
Before you decide
Questions worth asking.
- Are you a registered tax agent or BAS agent?
- Check the registration number on the Tax Practitioners Board register.
- Do you work with businesses like mine?
- Industry experience matters for deductions, awards and payroll.
- What is included in the fee?
- Ask for a written engagement letter with scope and price.
- Which accounting software do you support?
- Matching software saves time and fees.
- How do we communicate and how quickly?
- Agree response times around BAS and tax deadlines.
About this page
This page is a plain reference on finding an accountant for a small business. It does not provide accounting or tax services. Accountants and professional bodies wanting a correction can use the contact link below.