When Is a Registered Tax Agent Worth It?
Plenty of people lodge their own return in under an hour. Some situations reward an expert. Here's how to tell which one you're in, and how to make the most of an agent if you use one.
If your income is wages, bank interest and everyday work expenses, doing it yourself usually works well: most of it is pre-filled. An agent is worth it when the answer turns on facts and judgement: business income, property or share sales, rentals, rezoning, foreign income or an ATO problem. An agent's fee is deductible, and if they add you to their client list by 31 October, they can often lodge for you later than that.
Signs an agent is worth it
- You earn through an ABN, and the personal services income rules might apply
- You sold property, shares or crypto, or you're weighing a sale around 1 July 2027
- You own a rental property, especially one bought after 12 May 2026
- Your land is being rezoned, or you're subdividing or building to sell
- You have foreign income, or you're unsure whether you're an Australian resident for tax
- You've had a letter from the ATO, a tax debt, or need to fix an earlier return
- A big life change: separation, an inheritance, or a death in the family
- You have earlier returns that were never lodged
The search link opens the Tax Practitioners Board's public register, the official list of registered tax agents.
When doing it yourself is enough
If you're paid wages, earn some bank interest and claim everyday work expenses, myTax pre-fills most of your return once your income statement is marked “Tax ready”. You check the figures, add your deductions and submit. From 2026-27, the $1,000 standard deduction makes this simpler again for many people.
A later due date with an agent
If you lodge yourself, your 2025-26 return is due on 31 October 2026. If a registered tax agent adds you to their client list by 31 October, you can usually use their lodgment program due date, which is often well into 2027. Simply contacting an agent isn't enough: they have to add you to their list in time, and 31 October 2026 falls on a Saturday. Source: ATO — add new clients by 31 October.
Check they're registered
Generally, only registered tax agents can charge you to prepare or lodge your return, or to give you tax advice. Search the agent's name or registration number on the Tax Practitioners Board register, which also shows any conditions or sanctions on their registration. Source: TPB — finding and using a tax practitioner.
What it costs
Fees vary with how complex your return is, so ask for a quote up front. The fee is a cost of managing your tax affairs, which is deductible in the year you pay it. Source: ATO — cost of managing tax affairs.
What to bring
- Your income statements (in myGov) and any other income details
- Receipts and records for every deduction you want to claim
- Last year's notice of assessment, and your private health insurance statement
- For property or shares: purchase and sale contracts, and costs along the way
- Your EOFYmate claim report and the questions it lists for your agent. Use Save for my tax agent in the builder to save it as a PDF; it stays with you, and nothing is sent to anyone.
Frequently asked questions
This guide is general information only and not personal tax advice. Always confirm with the ATO at ato.gov.au or a registered tax agent before lodging.