How much does a tax return cost in Australia?
The short answer: lodging yourself through myTax is free, and a registered tax agent charges a fee that depends on how complicated your return is. That fee is usually tax deductible.
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Free: lodging yourself with myTax
The ATO’s myTax, accessed through myGov, costs nothing. Much of your income information (wages, interest, some government payments and private health details) is pre-filled. If your affairs are simple and you’re confident with deductions, it is a sound option.
Paying a registered tax agent
Only registered tax agents can charge a fee to prepare a tax return; they are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) and must meet qualification, experience and conduct standards. At Top Accountants, individual tax returns start from $245 and sole trader returns from $495; company and trust returns start from $1,995. Every fee is confirmed in a written fixed-fee quote before work starts. See our tax return service.
What changes the price
- Rental properties (each property needs a rental schedule)
- Capital gains from shares, crypto or property sales
- Sole trader or ABN income, and GST
- Foreign income or a change of residency
- Several years of overdue returns
- ATO letters, amendments or audits
The fee is usually tax deductible
The ATO allows a deduction for the cost of managing your tax affairs, including fees paid to a registered tax agent to prepare and lodge your return. You claim it in the income year you incur it, which is generally when you get the invoice, even if you pay later. So the fee for your 2025–26 return is usually claimed in your 2026–27 return.
Is a tax agent worth it?
An agent can help with deductions you might miss, with complicated items like rental property and capital gains, and with timing: if you engage a registered agent before 31 October, you may be covered by their lodgement program and get a later due date. Book a free 15-minute call if you want a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to lodge a tax return in Australia?
Yes, if you lodge it yourself with myTax through myGov. Only registered tax agents can charge a fee to prepare a return.
How much does Top Accountants charge?
Individual tax returns start from $245, sole trader returns from $495, and company and trust returns start from $1,995. You get a written fixed-fee quote first.
Can I claim my accountant’s fee?
Generally yes. Fees paid to a registered tax agent for managing your tax affairs are deductible in the income year you incur them.
Does a tax agent get me a bigger refund?
Not automatically. Your refund depends on your income, tax withheld and the deductions you are entitled to. An agent helps you claim everything you’re entitled to and nothing you aren’t.
Sources
ATO: lodge with a registered tax agent · ATO: cost of managing tax affairs · ATO: lodge online with myTax. 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.