Frequently Asked Questions

Simply put – no you don’t. We refer to this as a ‘drop-off’ job.

Following is an outline of our process this tax season:

Firstly, visit Tax Return Registration page to register to have your tax return completed by us.

Once you have successfully registered you will be sent the link to our annual engagement proposal. This new electronic form is intended to streamline our processes and obtain your approval to act as your tax agent this year. It also provides a transparent costing of our services, so you have an estimate of costs up front. At this point you can opt for no appointment.

When you have signed and submitted the form, your job will be created for the accountant and our team will be in touch with you via email with request for further documentation. Please promptly reply to requests for information.

You will then receive your return to approve and sign.

When the signed documents are received the accountant will lodge your return.

Then it’s in the ATO’s hands!

Their standard processing time for refunds is 14 business days. Each year the ATO will hold back a random selection of returns to complete manual calculations and ensure their internal systems are working. If we receive notice your return has been held up we will advise you immediately and keep a track of the 14 days. If the return has not been processed by then we will follow up with the ATO regularly until they have completed it.

For information regarding the documents you may need to organise to enable us to complete your tax return, please click here.

If you would like to make a tax return appointment, see our revised process here: How do I book an appointment?

We have a different process this year for both booking appointments and dropping off documents for this tax season:

Firstly, visit Tax Return Registration to register to have your tax return completed by us.

Once you have successfully registered you will be sent the link to our annual engagement proposal. This new electronic form is intended to streamline our processes and obtain your approval to act as your tax agent this year. It also provides a transparent costing of our services, so you have an estimate of costs up front.

As you near the end of the online engagement form process you will be provided with a link to the accountant’s appointment calendar to choose a time and date that suits you.

You will receive a confirmation of your booking details. Please bring proof of identity to your appointment as your accountant will need to sight it according to ATO requirements.

When your tax return appointment is completed and signed off by you, the accountant will lodge your return.

Then it’s in the ATO’s hands!

Their standard processing time for refunds is 14 business days. Each year the ATO will hold back a random selection of returns to complete manual calculations and ensure their internal systems are working. If we receive notice your return has been held up we will advise you immediately and keep a track of the 14 days. If the return has not been processed by then we will follow up with the ATO regularly until they have completed it.

For information regarding the documents you may need to organise prior your appointment, please click here.

We do not recommend booking an appointment until you have received your Private Health Insurance Statement, as your return can’t be lodged until we have this information. If you feel there is a delay in receiving your Private Health Insurance Statement, please follow up with your Private Health Insurance provider.

It takes some time at the beginning of the new financial year for Centrelink to compile and lodge its payment information with the ATO. Before they complete this, we do not have access to accurate records to complete your return. We recommend booking an appointment from the second week of July onward to ensure Centrelink has completed its processes.

Unfortunately, we do not receive a notification when Centrelink updates the ATO with an individual’s information. And we do not have the staffing resources to keep checking for individual clients during the busy period.

Here is a link to Services Australia that outlines what you need to do to get your Centrelink payment summary updates: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/centrelink-payment-summary

What you need to bring to your appointment with your tax agent depends on your circumstances. Do you have a straightforward return, or do you own property and investments? Do you run a business?

Please click on this link for a comprehensive list of items your agent may require to prepare your tax return: Preparing for Your Tax Return.