Accountant for Canberra individuals and businesses
Top Accountants is a CPA-qualified Registered Tax Agent based in Docklands, Melbourne, working with Canberra individuals and businesses online. One team for tax, BAS, bookkeeping and company matters.
- Registered Tax Agent 25377345
- Registered ASIC Agent 38112
- CPA qualified
- Certified Xero, MYOB & QuickBooks Advisors
- 15+ years’ experience
Accounting services for Canberra
- Individual tax returns and sole trader, partnership, company and trust returns
- BAS & IAS and GST registration
- Bookkeeping in Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks, from $495/month
- Payroll, Single Touch Payroll (STP) and Payday Super
- Company set-up and ASIC secretarial, tax planning, ATO letters and payment plans
Who we work with in Canberra
Canberra’s economy is dominated by public administration, with professional, scientific and technical services, defence and government contracting, education, health care and construction.
Many Canberra businesses are consultants and contractors working on government projects. We track contracts, invoicing and expenses by client, and flag personal services income (PSI) questions early, because the ATO has specific rules when most of your income comes from your personal skills.
Running a business in the ACT: the state obligations
Beyond the ATO, Canberra employers deal with state rules: workers compensation insurance through a licensed insurer (the scheme is regulated by WorkSafe ACT), payroll tax with ACT Revenue Office once wages pass the threshold and, in building and construction, portable long service leave through ACT Leave (the ACT Long Service Leave Authority). Free help for small businesses is available from Access Canberra’s Business Assist team. We help you register, budget for each one and keep the paperwork straight.
Payroll tax in the ACT: what growing businesses should know
From 1 July 2026, ACT payroll tax applies above a $1.75 million annual threshold, at 6.75% for Australian taxable wages over $1.75 million and up to $20 million, 6.85% up to $50 million, 7.35% up to $100 million, 7.85% up to $150 million and 8.75% above $150 million.
Once wages pass the threshold you register with ACT Revenue Office; the annual reconciliation is due by 28 July.
How we work with Canberra clients
We don’t have an office in Canberra. Top Accountants is based in Docklands, Melbourne, and works with Canberra clients online, by phone and by video call. Documents come through our secure upload page, engagement letters are signed electronically, and lodgements are made electronically with the ATO.
Canberra is on the same time as Melbourne all year. We’re open 9am–5pm, Monday to Sunday (Melbourne time).
Frequently asked questions
Do you have an office in Canberra?
No. We are based in Docklands, Melbourne, and work with Canberra clients online, by phone and by video call. Everything from documents to signatures and lodgement is handled electronically.
Are you a registered tax agent?
Yes. Top Accountants is Registered Tax Agent 25377345 and Registered ASIC Agent 38112, and we are CPA qualified. You can check any tax agent on the Tax Practitioners Board register.
Which state agencies does a Canberra employer deal with?
Usually ACT Revenue Office for payroll tax once wages pass the threshold, a licensed insurer (the scheme is regulated by WorkSafe ACT) for workers compensation insurance and, in building and construction, ACT Leave (the ACT Long Service Leave Authority) for portable long service leave.
When does a Canberra business have to pay payroll tax?
When its taxable Australian wages exceed the the ACT threshold. From 1 July 2026, ACT payroll tax applies above a $1.75 million annual threshold, at 6.75% for Australian taxable wages over $1.75 million and up to $20 million, 6.85% up to $50 million, 7.35% up to $100 million, 7.85% up to $150 million and 8.75% above $150 million. Check ACT Revenue Office for your exact position, or ask us.
How much does it cost?
Individual tax returns start from $245, BAS from $295 for established businesses ($145 for rideshare and taxi drivers) and bookkeeping from $495 a month. Your exact fee is confirmed in a written fixed-fee quote before any work starts.
Sources
Payroll tax rates and thresholds (payrolltax.gov.au) · ACT Revenue Office: payroll tax · ATO: cost of managing tax affairs. General information only, checked 23 October 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the relevant agency or ask us about your situation.
Talk to a Registered Tax Agent
Free 15-minute call, then a written fixed-fee quote within 1 business day. Online, Australia-wide.