How much should an accountant cost for a small business?

General advice only · AFSL 222640 · Global Mutual Funds Pty Ltd

The direct answer

There is no single right price. Fees depend mostly on your structure (a sole trader costs less than a company or trust group), the number of transactions, how clean your bookkeeping is, and whether you want advice beyond compliance. Ask for a written fixed-fee quote listing exactly what is included, and compare quotes on scope, not just price.

What it depends on

The full answer depends on your specific circumstances. Here’s what matters.

Your structure

Each entity (company, trust, SMSF) needs its own financial statements and tax return, which multiplies work.

Record quality

Accountants spend significant time fixing messy books. Clean, reconciled records reduce fees.

Compliance versus advice

Year-end compliance is one service. Tax planning, cash-flow forecasting and structuring advice are another. Know which you are buying.

The last 10%

What a qualified professional can add

The answer above covers the general position. Here’s where professional judgement — applied to YOUR specific situation — makes the difference.

Proactive tax planning before 30 June, not just after
Advising on structure, cash flow and growth decisions
Representing you with the ATO

Questions to ask before you engage one

If you decide to engage a professional, these questions help you evaluate whether they’re right for your situation.

Can you give me a fixed fee, and what exactly does it include?

What would cause the fee to increase?

Is tax planning before 30 June included?

How do you charge for phone calls and emails?

Your next step

List every entity you run and every service you want. Ask two or three accountants for fixed-fee quotes against that same list.

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