banjo

apparently everyone has to do a tax return here at the end of the financial year. How does this work.....ie do they send you forms to complete like in the UK or do we need to sort it all out?

Any help appreciated

bondipom

3 Choices

1 Pick up the forms at a newsagent/post office/ATO for free
2 Download the calculator available from the ATO website and fill it in on your computer and submit electronically
3 Get an accountant.

ABCDiamond

Tax Agents/Accountants tend to charge about $65-$85 for a straightforward tax return. But from personal experience mistakes are not uncommon.

gedge

And what is the timescale again?
I keep forgetting. Sorry.

Alan Collett

- If you don't use a tax agent the Return must be lodged by 31st October following the end of the tax year.

- Tax agents have longer to lodge the Return - usually well into the following calendar year.

As a word of caution, in my experience the average High Street tax agent most probably won't have encountered many of the tax and financial planning issues that you bring with you to Australia as a newly arrived migrant ...

Best regards.

ABCDiamond

I'll second that opinon

They are OK if you are a normal PAYE/PAYG employee.

pockygoes

Alan

Any recommendations in the Perth area & the rough cost for using one would be appreciated as we are due there later in the year & a recommendation would save alot of time & mistakes!!!

cheers

pockygoes

banjo

thanks..... any chance of a link to the website? Also, whose mistakes are not uncommon.....accountant or personal?

ABCDiamond

ATO online lodging link
But it won't be available till July1st.


Mistakes by Tax Agents are not uncommon.
I personally do not class a Tax Agent as an Accountant. Although I suppose I am generalising here based on my experience, not all will be in that same bracket.

Alan Collett

I would exchange an email with my Australian CA colleague John Griffiths, via john - at - gmga - dot - com - dot - au

Best regards.