Introduction
Running a small business in Perth, freelancing in Adelaide, or sorting your taxes in Sydney often comes down to one question: what’s the accountant cost? It’s important to know. Costs vary depending on your needs, where you are, and how complicated your finances are. A good accountant can do more than handle your numbers – they help you save money, stay ATO-compliant, and make managing your finances easier.
Key Points on Accountant Costs
- Fee ranges: Basic tax returns cost $100–$300; business services range from $1,000–$5,000 yearly.
- Location matters: Fees are higher in Sydney than in regional areas like Tasmania.
- Get value: Choose an accountant who saves you more than their fee through deductions.
- Save smart: Organised records and software like Xero cut costs.
- Plan ahead: Understand your needs- personal or business- to budget accurately.
What Drives Accountant Costs?
Fees vary based on your situation and market factors. At Numberfied, we keep pricing transparent so you know what you’re paying for. Here are the main things that affect costs.
Your Location in Australia
Where you live changes what you pay. In cities like Sydney or Melbourne, accountant cost $150–$300 per hour due to high demand and living costs. In regional spots like rural Queensland or South Australia, accountant cost can be $80–$120.
For example, a tax return in Sydney might cost $400, while in Tasmania, it’s closer to $250. Online accounting lets you work with professionals anywhere, saving money. Numberfied serves all of Australia with fair pricing.
The Accountant’s Skills
An accountant’s expertise sets their rates. A junior tax accountant cost $70–$150 per hour for simple tasks like tax returns. A Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) with experience charges $200–$350 for complex work, like business planning.
Skilled accountants find deductions or navigate ATO rules to save you money. Numberfied’s team has the know-how to deliver results without overcharging. Match their skills to your needs for the best deal.
Complexity of Your Finances
Simple finances, like a single salary, cost $100–$250 for a tax return. If you have rentals, investments, or a business, fees can hit $500–$2,000 due to extra work. Sole traders pay less than companies, which need detailed reports.
More transactions or irregular income mean higher fees. Neat records can save 20–30% on costs. Numberfied prices based on your needs, so you pay only for what’s necessary.
Common Accounting Service Costs
Knowing average fees helps you budget. Here’s what to expect for typical services. Numberfied offers clear pricing and packages for simplicity.
Personal Tax Returns
A basic tax return for a salary with standard deductions costs $100–$300. Extra income, like rentals or shares, pushes fees to $400–$800 due to added work.
This ensures you claim all deductions, like work expenses, which can cover the cost. File by October 31 to avoid fines. Numberfied keeps this quick and affordable.
Business Tax and Advice
Sole traders pay $300–$1,000 for tax returns; companies or trusts cost $1,500–$5,000, including financial statements and ATO filings. Choosing the right structure saves money long-term.
Numberfied’s fixed-fee packages for businesses under $500,000 make costs predictable. Early advice prevents costly mistakes.
Bookkeeping and BAS
Bookkeeping costs $25–$60 per hour or $200–$600 quarterly, based on transactions. Business Activity Statements (BAS) for GST and PAYG add $150–$400 quarterly. High-transaction businesses pay $250 monthly for both.
Software like Xero saves time and money. Numberfied’s bookkeeping starts at $200 quarterly, keeping records tax-ready.
Payroll and Superannuation
Payroll for a small team costs $50–$100 per pay run or $300–$800 monthly. Superannuation compliance, at 11.5% in 2025, needs careful tracking to avoid ATO fines of $540 per employee.
Numberfied uses Single Touch Payroll (STP) to simplify this, saving time and ensuring accuracy.
Financial Planning
Advice on budgets or loans costs $200–$400 per hour or $1,000–$3,000 yearly. This includes cash flow or growth plans, key for scaling.
Audits or succession planning cost $2,000–$7,000. The payoff? Profits can rise by 10–20%. Numberfied tailors advice to your goals.
Hourly Rates vs. Fixed Fees
Accountant cost is charge on hourly basis or flat fees. Each suits different needs.
Hourly Billing
Hourly rates of $100–$300 work for one-off tasks, like consultations. You pay for time used, ideal for small jobs. But accountant cost can grow if work takes longer.
Junior accountant cost upto $70–$150, are cheaper for routine tasks. Ask for time estimates to avoid surprises.
Fixed Fees
Fixed fees, like $500 for a tax return or $2,000 for business services, make budgeting easy. They often include extra support, like answering questions.
Numberfied’s packages bundle services, saving 10–15%. Check what’s included for value.
Hybrid Plans
Monthly retainers, $200–$600, mix fixed and hourly billing. They cover regular tasks like BAS and allow extra work at set rates, saving up to 20% for growing businesses.
Costs Across Australia
Fees vary by region due to demand and local costs. Here’s how states compare.
Sydney and Melbourne
Sydney charges $180–$500 for tax services; Melbourne is $150–$450. High demand drives accountant cost. Numberfied’s online model keeps city pricing fair.
Regional Areas
Rural Queensland or Tasmania charge $80–$250 hourly. Lower living costs mean savings. Online tools give access to quality accountants anywhere.
State Comparisons
Nationally, rates average $100–$300 hourly. South Australia and Western Australia range $90–$250. Compare quotes across states for the best deal.
Ways to Save on Accountant Costs
You can cut accountant cost without losing quality. Here’s how.
Use Accounting Software
Tools like Xero or MYOB, at $30–$60 monthly, organise data, saving up to 40% on accountant time. Numberfied sets these up for smooth workflows.
Organise Records
Sorted receipts and clear expense tracking save hours. Apps like Receipt Bank make this easy, cutting $100–$200 per job.
Book Smart and Bundle
Schedule work in quieter months, like September, for lower rates. Bundling tax and bookkeeping saves 10–15%. Numberfied offers discounts for combined services.
Long-Term Partnerships
Sticking with one accountant builds efficiency, lowering costs. Numberfied’s retainers save 15% and prioritise your needs.
Why Accountants Are Worth It
A good accountant saves more than their cost. Here’s why.
Tax Savings and Compliance
Accountants find deductions to cut your tax bill by 10–20%. They also avoid ATO fines, which can hit $20,000.
Free Up Time
Outsourcing saves 15–25 hours monthly, letting you focus on your business or life. This boosts productivity and accountant cost also.
Smarter Decisions
Advice on budgets or growth improves profits by 10–30%. Numberfied’s insights help you plan for success.
When to Hire an Accountant
Timing your hire maximises value. Here’s when.
New Businesses and Freelancers
Spend $500–$1,500 upfront to set up your business right. Early advice avoids costly changes.
Growing Companies
As you expand, budget $1,000–$3,000 yearly for advice on hiring or funding. This supports growth.
Audits or Complex Needs
For audits or big transactions, plan for $2,000–$5,000. Professional help prevents errors.
Conclusion
Knowing the accountant cost helps you make smarter financial decisions. Fees can start around $100 for a simple tax return and go up to $5,000 for more extensive business services. The price depends on your location, the complexity of your finances, and the accountant’s experience. With the proper preparation and a good accountant, you can keep costs reasonable while getting real value.
If you’re ready to find an accountant that suits your budget, visit Numberfied.com/au for a custom quote and take the next step in managing your finances with confidence.
FAQs
1. How much does a basic tax return cost?
A basic tax return costs $100–$300, covering a single income and deductions. Numberfied keeps it affordable, often done in one session. Filing early ensures you claim all deductions, usually covering the fee.
2. How does business type affect costs?
Sole traders pay $300–$1,000 for tax returns; companies or trusts cost $1,500–$5,000 due to extra paperwork numberfied tailors pricing to your business. Share your details for a clear accountant cost.
3. How can I cut accountant costs?
Organise records with Xero to save 30% on time. Book in quieter months, like August, for lower rates. Bundling services saves 10–15%. Numberfied’s fixed fees keep costs clear.
4. What are hourly rates in Sydney?
In Sydney, accountant cost $150–$300 hourly; Melbourne is $140–$280. Numberfied offers fair urban pricing. Ask about inclusions, like follow-up support, for value.
5. How much is bookkeeping?
Bookkeeping costs $25–$60 per hour or $200–$600 quarterly. BAS filings add $150–$400. Numberfied’s packages start at $200, using software to save time.
6. Is tax planning worth it?
Tax planning, at $200–$400 hourly, saves 10–20% on taxes. Numberfied’s plans guide investments or super, often outweighing the cost.
7. Are regional costs lower?
Regional areas like Tasmania charge $80–$250 hourly, versus $150–$300 in Sydney. Numberfied serves rural clients online at fair rates.
8. When should a startup spend more?
Budget $500–$1,500 for startup setup. As you grow, add $1,000–$3,000 yearly for advice. Numberfied’s packages support startups affordably.
9. Do fixed fees save money?
Fixed fees, like $500 for a tax return, make budgeting easy. Numberfied’s packages save 10–15% over hourly rates. Check inclusions for value.
10. Why do experienced accountants cost more?
At $200–$350 hourly, experienced accountants save money through deductions and audits. Numberfied’s team delivers results for complex needs like business growth.
Also Read: How Support for Solo Accountants Can Transform Your Australian Business