How to choose an accountant in Australia: a practical checklist

Choosing an accountant is a bit like choosing a new doctor or mechanic: you want someone qualified, someone who understands your situation, and someone you can actually reach when something goes wrong. Australian government guidance makes the same point, and it also reminds you that you stay legally responsible for what is lodged in your name (Moneysmart).

This guide covers the checks that matter most, in order: work out what you need, confirm the person is allowed to do the work, check their credentials, understand how they charge, and ask a few practical questions before you sign. Use the Fiscly directory to build a shortlist as you go.

Timing note (28 October 2026): The ATO says that if you are using a registered tax agent for the first time, or switching agents, you should contact them before 31 October so you can be part of their lodgment program. Agents have to add new clients and lodge overdue prior-year returns by that date, even though it falls on a weekend this year (ATO). The checklist below works at any time of year, but if this applies to you, start now.

Step 1: Work out what you actually need

"Accountant" covers a lot of ground, and the right person depends on the job. Write down what you want help with before you start comparing:

• A simple individual tax return. Many people only need a registered tax agent to prepare and lodge it.
• A small business or sole trader. You may need help with business structure, GST and BAS, payroll and super, bookkeeping and year-round advice. Business Queensland suggests speaking with your accountant at least every quarter, or when your BAS is due (Business Queensland).
• Something specialised. Self-managed super funds, crypto, property, or a trade or construction business all have their own rules and record-keeping demands. A generalist can be fine, but a firm that works with your situation every week will usually spot issues faster.
• Investment or retirement advice. This is a different licence. Moneysmart notes that giving investment or retirement advice requires an Australian financial services (AFS) licence, so an accountant who is not licensed should not be recommending products (Moneysmart).

Step 2: Check they are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board

This is the single most important check, and it takes about a minute.

The ATO's advice is to use a registered tax agent to prepare and lodge your tax return, because they are the only people who can charge a fee for it. The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) says generally only registered tax and BAS agents can charge or receive a fee or other reward for providing tax agent services, BAS services or tax (financial) advice services (TPB).

Registration matters because the TPB makes sure registered agents meet and maintain required standards of qualifications and experience and comply with the Code of Professional Conduct. That Code covers honesty and integrity, independence, confidentiality, competence and other responsibilities. In practice it includes acting lawfully in your best interests, managing conflicts of interest, not disclosing your information without permission unless legally required, keeping their skills up to date and holding the professional indemnity insurance the TPB requires (TPB Code of Professional Conduct).

How to check the TPB register

1. Go to the TPB public register.
2. Search by the person's legal name, the ASIC-registered business name, or their registration number.
3. Read the result carefully. The register shows the registration type (tax agent or BAS agent), the status (registered, unregistered, suspended or terminated), registration and expiry dates, and any conditions on the registration.
4. Pay attention to conditions. The TPB explains that conditions can limit the subject areas a practitioner may cover (TPB register help).
5. Look for the "Registered tax practitioner" symbol on their website and paperwork, which the TPB says to look for (TPB).

The register also lists suspended practitioners, so a name appearing on it is not enough. Check the status.

Why using an unregistered preparer is risky

The TPB lists several risks of using an unregistered preparer: you may not get "safe harbour" protection from ATO penalties, they may not have adequate professional indemnity insurance, and they may not be fit and proper to do the work (TPB). There is also a cost angle: the ATO says fees for lodging through a registered tax agent are claimable, but costs of having someone who is not a TPB-registered tax agent (or a qualified provider registered with ASIC) prepare your tax advice are not (ATO).

Step 3: Check professional membership and qualifications

Many accountants are also members of a professional body such as CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) or the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Moneysmart explains that full members have completed professional qualifications and must keep up ongoing professional development (Moneysmart).

Membership is not the same as TPB registration, so check both. It is also worth verifying rather than trusting a logo on a website. The TPB register shows professional association affiliations, but that information is provided by the practitioner, and the TPB encourages you to verify it independently (TPB register help). Here is where to do that:

• CPA Australia: use the Find a CPA tool and its "verify a member" option. CPA Australia also requires members who provide public accounting services to hold a public practice certificate (CPA Australia).
• CA ANZ: the Find a CA directory is not an exhaustive list of members, and CA ANZ asks you to contact them to verify whether someone is a member.
• IPA: the IPA directory lists accountants with active membership, a current Public Practice Certificate and up-to-date statutory registrations.

The TPB also publishes a page on recognised professional associations.

Step 4: Understand fees and scope before you commit

Most disputes with accountants come down to a mismatch in expectations. Ask for the fee and the scope in writing, and make sure the two line up. Common arrangements include:

• A fixed fee for a defined job, such as a tax return or a set of financial statements.
• Hourly rates for ad hoc advice or work that is hard to scope.
• A monthly or annual package that bundles bookkeeping, BAS, payroll and a number of advice hours.

What to ask for: what is included, what is extra (for example, calls and emails, amendments, ATO correspondence), how quickly they respond, and when fees are due. A quote that only says "from $X" without stating the scope is hard to compare with anyone else's.

Professional standards help here. APES 305, the standard on terms of engagement, requires members in public practice to document and communicate the terms of engagement with a client, and it took effect on 1 January 2025 (APESB). Ask for that engagement letter.

One practical point from the ATO: you are responsible for the tax records you give your tax agent, so ask what format they prefer and how they want documents shared (ATO).

Step 5: Ask these questions

A short conversation tells you a lot. These questions are adapted from the checklist on Moneysmart plus common-sense questions about how the relationship will run:

1. Are you registered with the Tax Practitioners Board, and what is your registration number?
2. Which professional body are you a member of, and do you hold a public practice certificate?
3. What qualifications and experience do you have, and who will actually look after my work?
4. Which clients do you normally work with? Do you have experience in my industry or situation (for example, sole trader, tradie, SMSF, crypto, a small company)?
5. What services are included, and what would cost extra?
6. How do you charge, and when do I pay?
7. How do we share documents, which software do you use, and how often will we speak?
8. How long does it usually take you to reply, and to finish a tax return or BAS?
9. What happens if something goes wrong, and how do I make a complaint?
10. Do you have professional indemnity insurance?

Step 6: Match your situation to a specialist

If you have a specific need, filter your search for it. A few examples of what to look for:

• Small business owners should look for someone who covers GST, BAS, payroll and structure advice, plus bookkeeping if you do not have it covered. Browse small business accountants in Queensland or BAS and GST specialists in NSW.
• Sole traders often want year-round help with deductions, record-keeping and registration questions. See sole trader accountants in NSW.
• Trades and construction businesses have their own cash flow and record-keeping pressures, so try tradies and construction accountants in Queensland.
• SMSF trustees need someone who understands super fund rules. The ATO requires every SMSF to be audited each year by an approved SMSF auditor who is registered with ASIC and independent, even if no contributions or payments were made (ATO). Browse SMSF accountants in Victoria.
• Crypto investors face capital gains tax reporting and record-keeping obligations, and the ATO has dedicated guidance for both (ATO). See crypto tax accountants in NSW.

You can also browse by state: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia, or the full Australian directory.

Red flags to avoid

Some warning signs are in the official guidance, and some are just common sense.

• They ask for your myGov password. The TPB says myTax should only be used by taxpayers to lodge their own return, and that a registered tax practitioner does not need access to your myGov account. Do not share your myGov password (TPB).
• They are not on the TPB register, or the registration is suspended, terminated or expired.
• They cannot tell you what they will charge or what is included.
• They will not put the engagement terms in writing.
• They promise a particular refund before they have seen your records. This one is our editorial view rather than an official rule: no honest adviser can promise an outcome without seeing your numbers.
• They want your refund paid to their account. The TPB says registered practitioners must account for money received on your behalf, including ATO refunds. Ask how any money will be handled and keep your own bank details on file with the ATO.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose an accountant?

Start by working out what you need, then check that the person is registered with the Tax Practitioners Board, confirm any professional membership, compare fees and scope in writing, and ask a few practical questions about experience and communication. The steps above cover each of these.

How can I tell if an accountant is good?

There is no single test, but good signs include current TPB registration, verifiable professional membership, relevant experience with clients like you, a clear written scope and fee, and prompt, plain-English answers.

How do I check if an accountant is registered?

Search the TPB public register by name, ASIC-registered business name or registration number, then check the registration type, status and any conditions. The register also lists suspended practitioners, so check the status and not just the name.

What is the difference between a tax agent and an accountant?

Not everyone who calls themselves an accountant is a registered tax agent. A tax agent is registered with the TPB and can charge a fee to prepare and lodge returns. Many accountants are also registered tax agents, but you should not assume. Check the register.

How much does an accountant cost?

It depends on the work, the firm and where you are, so we will not give you a number. Ask for a written quote that states the scope, and compare at least two or three firms on what is included, not just on price.

Can I claim the cost of an accountant on my tax?

According to the ATO, you can generally claim the cost of lodging through a registered tax agent and tax advice from a recognised tax adviser, but not the cost of having someone prepare your tax advice who is not a TPB-registered tax agent or a qualified provider registered with ASIC. If one invoice covers more than one person, such as a spouse, you need to split the fees and keep records (ATO). Check with your own adviser how this applies to you.

Can I lodge my own tax return instead?

Yes. Moneysmart notes that myTax is free and can work well for simple returns. A registered agent is worth considering when your situation is more complex or you want someone to take responsibility for the preparation. You are still legally responsible for what is lodged either way.

Start your shortlist

Ready to compare firms? Browse the Fiscly accountant directory by state, region or speciality, then run the TPB check on your top two or three. If you would like a hand working out what kind of accountant fits your situation, and it will point you to relevant firms.

Are you an accountant? Claim or add your Fiscly profile so people searching in your area can find you.

General information only. This article is not financial, tax, legal or accounting advice and does not consider your personal circumstances. Rules and thresholds change, so check the linked ATO, TPB and Moneysmart pages and speak to a registered tax practitioner about your situation. Fiscly does not recommend or endorse any individual accountant listed in the directory.