What is the charge for preparation of Individual tax returns?
The fee for individual tax return preparation depends upon the complexity of income and deductions involved. The fee for most "I" return starts from $100 (excl GST) paid at the time the return are completed. Additional charge of $25 (excl GST) applies if the payment is made via deduction from refunds, cheque or credit card or direct debit in our account. That fee is tax deductible in the year paid.

What is the charge for business returns?
The fee for business returns and compliance work depends upon the complexity and the time involved. The rates vary from $100-$300 (excl GST) per hour. We are happy to provide detailed guidance prior to commencement of work. That fee is tax deductible in the year paid.

Can fees be taken from my refund?
Yes, where a client is getting a refund we may allow a deduction from the ATO refund. There are factors (like HEC's debt, Child Support Payments, other debts to ATO and Centerlink etc) taken into account before your offer of fee deduction is accepted.

What happens if we have not made suitable arrangements for the payment of fee at the start?
We will generally not commence work or lodge returns until arrangements for the payment of our fees have been made. We may pursue the fees if it remains unpaid regardless of whether the return has been lodged.

Would you retain my documents if any fee remains unpaid after the services have been rendered?
Yes, we would continue to hold lien over all your documents until the fee has been paid in full. We may also take legal action or other measures to recover our fee.

What are your office hours?
We are generally available between 9.00am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 1.00 pm on Saturday for returns to be done in the office. These hours apply from July to September only after that normal business hours apply. We provide after hours, weekend and home visits where pre- arrangements have been made. For this service an additional fee of $25.00 per trip/site applies.

Do you provide mobile tax return service?
Yes, we provide services to complete returns on individual and employer premises. These can be during normal or after hours, however times need to be booked. For this service an additional fee of $25.00 per trip/site applies.

Can you prepare multiple years returns at the same time?
Yes, a number of year's tax returns can be done at the same time, however, the older returns may need to be lodged in paper and there may be some delays in assessment by the ATO.

What should I do if I do not have all the documents?
We encourage you to check all supporting documents before booking appointments. Please refer to the checklist on this website. Copies of important documents like group certificates can be obtained from the employer. It is an offence to claim deductions for expenses that cannot be substantiated.

On what basis is the tax return prepared?
We use the information, documentation and advice given to us by you to prepare your tax return. Our role is to take reasonable care in preparing the return. We are not responsible for auditing and/or verifying your evidence. It is the responsibility of the taxpayer to keep evidence of all claims. Severe penalties exist in the tax legislation for false and/or misleading claims.

How long will it take to get my refund?
Australian Tax Office (ATO) processes majority of the returns within 14 working days. Delays may be possible where the ATO may match the data with Centrelink and other organisations.

What should I do I do in case the refund is not received within 14 days?
Please allow an extra week before following up the status of your return with us.

What expenses can I claim deductions for?
Generally, deductions for expenses are allowed where they are incurred in the process of earning income. However, some expenses are deemed private expenses and specifically not deductible eg. travel between home and work in most cases. To see what deductions are allowed for your occupation, please refer to the links to occupational rulings.

What income is taxable?
Generally, all income earned from personal exertion, allowances received from employer, interest earned & dividends received from investments, certain capital gains is assessable income. It is not possible to comprehensively discuss this here. If you have any doubts whether income that you have received is assessable or not, please contact us of visit the ATO website.

I have a negatively geared investment property. What documents should I bring to complete my tax return?
We have provided some guidance on this site. Links have also been provided to the ATO ruling on investment properties.

What should I do if my specific question has not been answered here?   The Australian Taxation Legislation comprises some 70,000 pages. It is not possible to do justice to the subject here. Please contact us using the contact link. We will endeavour to return your communication as soon as possible.