Hi

Need to decide on best route for doing first tax return which is for part of the year (husband only working as from end Jan this year). Someone had mentioned that if you have an accountant do your tax return, this is fully tax deductible - can anyone advise/confirm as if this is correct it is not worth even contemplating whether to complete it ourselves. Should be a pretty straight forward return.

Anyone also have any advice as to experience with places like QTax etc compared to a tax accountant? Bit tricky as no-one we know has any recommendations as to a good accountant.

Cheers,
Nina & Peter

HI
YEP,YOU ARE PROBABLY BEST TO USE AN ACCOUNTANT TO START WITH,IT DOESNT COST TOO MUCH FOR A STRAIGHT FORWARD ONE. HAVE A LOOK TO SEE IF YOU HAVE AN H&R BLOCK ACCOUNTANTS BY YOU,THEY ARE NOT TOO BAD.

I don't think you can do your first tax return by yourself (by eTax) as you need a reference number from a previous tax return notice to use the service.

You can claim the cost of a tax agent back yes, but not until next return as you are paying for it in the 2008/9 tax year and not the 2007/8 tax year that you are doing the return for.


Yes you can, I did my first one this year with no problems. From memory all I needed was my TFN number. I had to use the reference number for my OH though as it was his second one

Thanks Wendy ....I didn't do my first one myself so I wasn't sure.

In that case for the OP, if it's straight forward then try eTax and if you find it too confusing or think you might be missing out on some deductions then try a tax agent.

No problems, I was under the impression that I needed a number too but thought what the hell I'll try it anyway

I found it pretty easy to do myself, so recommend the same as you - give it a go and if you get stuck you can always call in an 'expert'

Thanks for the advice. It seems best to use a tax accountant and then reclaim this cost next year!

Many thanks
Nina