Local tax practice for individuals and sole traders
Run a small local office doing tax returns year-round for individuals, sole traders and small businesses.
- A$6k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A full-time tax agent practice in a small office or shared space, doing individual and sole trader returns and building ongoing yearly relationships. Walk-in and appointment clients can drop off paperwork and ask questions face to face.
Your first three steps
- Check the Tax Practitioners Board requirements and register as a tax agent before opening
- Look at small offices or shared workspaces in a busy local area and get quotes for fit-out, software and insurance
- Introduce yourself to local accountants, bookkeepers, real estate agents and trade businesses for referrals
Who pays
Tradies, contractors, small shop owners, rental investors and families who prefer a local person they can meet in person.
How it makes money
Fees per return, plus extra for business and rental schedules, and ongoing add-ons such as business activity statement (BAS) help if you are registered for it.
Skills that help
- Strong tax knowledge and good record-keeping
- Friendly, trustworthy manner with clients
- Local networking and marketing
Watch out for
- TPB registration is generally needed to charge for tax return preparation, and BAS services may need separate registration, check both
- Professional indemnity and public liability insurance
- Lease commitments and rent, which can strain a quiet season
- Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff, check your state scheme
- GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: local tax practice for individuals and sole traders
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a local tax practice in Australia?
Startup costs are estimated at typically around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on your premises. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $4,000 to $18,000, depending on your client base and the time of year.
What registrations and insurance should I check for a tax practice?
TPB registration is generally needed to charge for tax return preparation, and BAS services may need separate registration, so check both. Also check professional indemnity and public liability insurance, and GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold.
What should I plan for when running a tax office?
Lease commitments and rent can strain a quiet season, so plan for them. Check workers compensation insurance under your state scheme once you hire staff. The estimates suggest at least around 30 hours a week.
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