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It’s so easy these days to lodge your own tax return online, so why would you need a tax agent?
If you have very straightforward tax affairs, there are great resources available that make it quick and easy to lodge an annual tax return yourself.
But in Australia each year more than 70 per cent of individuals and businesses choose to use a registered tax agent to prepare and lodge their tax returns.
No matter what your occupation, you will probably find that a tax agent can help you to identify deductions of which you may not have even been aware.
And tax agents can advise you on the ATO’s substantiation requirements for claiming these deductions.
You don’t want to be audited without having the right records to back you up.
If your situation is more complex – you may have investments, or operate a business – then good tax advice is essential.
You may have questions about how capital gains tax will affect you, or what small business concessions are available to you.
Local registered tax agents Wayne Maber and Natalie Evans have offices in Hazelbrook.
“Often we see people who, for whatever reason, have fallen behind in lodging their tax returns, and they are worried about how they can get up to date,” Ms Evans said.
“As registered tax agents, we can access a lot of their tax paperwork and we can deal with the ATO on behalf of our clients. It’s great to be able to work with our clients to get them back on track.”
Mr Maber says it is important to find an agent you feel comfortable with.
“Our clients know that they can ring at any time during the year, not just at tax time, to ask tax or accounting questions.
“We provide a personalised service all year round,” he said.
Tax agents are highly qualified professionals who are skilled in applying the relevant tax laws to your situation.
They are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board and must complete continuing professional education requirements and hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance to maintain their registration. Look for the black and yellow tick on your tax agent’s website.