Accountant, bookkeeper and tax agent for Townsville
One team for your tax return, bookkeeping and BAS. Top Accountants is a CPA-qualified Registered Tax Agent based in Docklands, Melbourne, working with Townsville individuals and businesses online.
- Registered Tax Agent 25377345
- Registered ASIC Agent 38112
- CPA qualified
- Certified Xero, MYOB & QuickBooks Advisors
- 15+ years’ experience
Accounting, bookkeeping and tax for Townsville
- Tax returns for employees, sole traders, companies and trusts
- Bookkeeping in Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks, from $495/month
- BAS & IAS, payroll, STP and Payday Super
- Company set-up, tax planning and ATO letters
Townsville’s economy
Townsville is North Queensland’s largest city. Defence (Lavarack Barracks and RAAF Base Townsville), health (Townsville University Hospital), education (James Cook University), the Port of Townsville, minerals processing, government services and construction anchor its economy.
Payroll tax for Townsville employers
Cairns and Townsville are both in “regional Queensland” for payroll tax. A regional employer (registered ABN address in regional Queensland and at least 85% of Queensland taxable wages paid to employees who live there) gets a 1% discount until 30 June 2030: 3.75% instead of 4.75%, or 3.95% instead of 4.95% for wages over $6.5 million. The threshold is $1.3 million.
Zone tax offset and Townsville
Townsville is in Zone B for the zone tax offset. If Townsville is your usual place of residence for 183 days or more in the income year, the base Zone B offset is $57 for 2025–26, more if you maintain dependants.
Defence families
Many Townsville households include ADF members or partners. ADF members serving in specified overseas localities may qualify for the overseas forces offset instead of the zone offset; you can’t claim both for the same period, so we work out which is better.
Students and university staff
James Cook University brings many students and researchers to Townsville. If you have a HELP or other study loan, compulsory repayments are worked out through your tax return once your repayment income passes the threshold, so it pays to check your withholding is set correctly.
Mining services and FIFO
Townsville is a base for workers who fly out to mines in north-west Queensland. Your zone offset depends on where you usually live, not where the mine is.
How we work with Townsville clients
We don’t have a Townsville office. Top Accountants is based in Docklands, Melbourne. Documents come through our secure upload page, you sign electronically, and we meet by phone or video. Townsville doesn’t use daylight saving: our 9am–5pm (Melbourne time) is 8am–4pm there from October to April.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have an office in Townsville?
No. Our only office is in Docklands, Melbourne. We work with Townsville clients online, by phone and by video call.
Does the regional payroll tax rate apply in Townsville?
Cairns and Townsville are both in “regional Queensland” for payroll tax.
Can Townsville residents claim the zone tax offset?
Townsville is in Zone B for the zone tax offset. It depends on your usual place of residence.
Defence families: what should I know?
Many Townsville households include ADF members or partners. ADF members serving in specified overseas localities may qualify for the overseas forces offset instead of the zone offset; you can’t claim both for the same period, so we work out which is better.
How much do you charge?
Tax returns from $245, BAS from $295 for established businesses ($145 for rideshare and taxi drivers) and bookkeeping from $495 a month, confirmed in a written fixed-fee quote.
Sources
Payroll tax rates and thresholds (payrolltax.gov.au) · QRO: regional discount · ATO: Queensland zone list · ATO: zone tax offset. 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.