Overwhelmed by tax season or unsure about managing your finances? Time to find the right tax accountant.
Whether you’re an individual looking to maximize your tax return, a small business owner needing advice on tax planning, or someone dealing with a complex financial situation, having a skilled tax accountant can make all the difference in managing your finances effectively.
A tax accountant specialises in preparing tax returns, providing tax planning advice, and ensuring compliance with tax laws. They can help you navigate the complexities of the tax system, save money, and avoid potential issues with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a tax accountant and share where to find the best in Wollongong.
What makes a great tax accountant?
Choosing the right tax accountant can simplify your financial life, ensuring that your taxes are handled accurately and efficiently while providing you with peace of mind.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a tax accountant:
- Qualifications and credentials. Ensure your tax accountant is fully qualified and registered with relevant professional bodies, such as Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) or CPA Australia. These credentials indicate that the accountant has met rigorous professional standards and is committed to ongoing education.
- Experience and expertise. Look for tax accountants with extensive experience in handling cases similar to yours, whether you need help with personal tax returns, business tax planning, or more complex financial matters. Their expertise can provide valuable insights and strategies for optimizing your tax situation.
- Attention to detail. Accuracy is crucial when it comes to tax preparation and compliance. A great tax accountant will have a keen eye for detail, ensuring that all financial records are meticulously reviewed and that no deductions or credits are overlooked.
- Communication skills. Effective communication is essential for understanding your financial situation and explaining complex tax concepts in a way that’s easy to grasp. Your tax accountant should be approachable, responsive, and able to provide clear advice and guidance.
- Accessibility and convenience. Consider the location and availability of your tax accountant. A local accountant who is easily accessible and offers flexible appointment times can make it more convenient to stay on top of your tax obligations and get timely advice when you need it.
The best tax accountants in Wollongong
Region Illawarra’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best in Wollongong series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback online and maintained a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
ASL Accounting and Tax
ASL Accounting and Tax proudly helps a diverse range of Wollongong clients turn their visions into values.
Specialising in individual, company and trust tax returns, BAS and GST advice, start ups, self managed superannuation and more, ASL's highly qualified staff work closely with each client to understand their needs and plan accordingly for the future.
"From the start, their team exhibited exceptional professionalism and expertise. They guided me through the entire process with clarity and patience, ensuring that every detail was accurately handled," Dipesh Panta reviews on Google.
H&R Block Wollongong
Part of Australia's leading tax preparation firm, H&R Block Wollongong guarantees a maximised refund and flexible, experienced service.
The team expertly handles tax returns for individuals, companies, partnerships, sole traders/contractors, investors, and self managed super funds. They can also help with financial statements, business set up, BAS and bookkeeping.
Rex Cowan says online, "Best place to get your taxes done, very fast service and professional."
Teresa Tran & Associates
Servicing clients in the Illawarra since 1993, Teresa Tran & Associates provides a broad range of accounting services for individuals and small businesses.
Just some of the many areas the team can help with are tax minimisation, wealth maximisation, business advice, financial planning and self managed super funds.
"There's no-one else I would go to," Bryce Roberts says online.
"Teresa and her excellent team always make the process fast and effective, and I know I'm getting back the full return possible."
The Good Numbers
Brainchild of chartered accountant and tax agent Samantha Perez, The Good Numbers is a 'financial fairy godmother' with a passion for business growth.
Working digitally from Wollongong, Samantha and her team service clients across Australia in tax returns (individuals, investors, businesses, trusts and self managed super funds), financial advice, BAS, and business strategy.
"We can always count on Sam's advice and support for strategy, automation, streamlining and of course the financial and taxation advice we need," long time client Gina says online.
TaxTips Wollongong
Conveniently located in the heart of the city, TaxTips Wollongong has covered local clients for all of their tax needs for more than 14 years.
Tax returns are available for all entities including individuals, companies, partnerships and trusts. Other accounting services include BAS/GST prep, compliance and lodging, and general bookeeping.
"Would highly recommend, staff (were) very friendly and helpful," Rebecca says online.
"Money was in my account by the time I walked back to the car."
If you’re looking for more information on professional services in Wollongong, you might also like our articles on the best mortgage brokers, law firms, insurance brokers and property managers Wollongong has to offer.
Your experience with tax accountants in Wollongong
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the Wollongong tax accountants listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does a tax accountant do?
A tax accountant is a professional who handles bookkeeping and prepares financial documents like profit-and-loss statements, balance sheets and more. They can audit your books, prepare and lodge your tax return, advise on business structure, issue invoices, record sales, handle your payroll, help with profit, loss and forecasting, keep you up-to-date on tax laws and changes, create reports and handle other financial requirements.
What do tax accountants charge?
The fees tax accountants charge depends on the type and level of service you require. Some businesses let their accountant handle all of their financial needs. Some business handle certain element in-house and only use their accountant for specific services. It’s best to talk to your accountant about their fees and payment structure so you don’t get caught off guard. Ask how much they charge and if they’ll deduct your fee from your tax return.
What should I bring to a new tax accountant?
When going to a tax accountant you've never used before, always start off with last year’s tax return. It should outline your personal details including your tax file number, any income streams, tax offsets, regular deductions and other relevant information for things you've previously claimed.
How much tax will my tax accountant save me?
A great tax accountant believes their role is to save you as much tax as possible while sticking closely to legal guidelines. The amount they’ll be able to save you very much depends on your circumstances. The best tax accountants will explain in broad terms how much tax they’ve saved you and where.
Do tax accountants need to be formally qualified?
In Australia, tax accountants must be formally qualified and registered. They should belong to a professional body like the Institute of Public Accountants or Certified Practising Accountants Australia.