Local tax and small business office
Run a small shopfront or office doing tax returns, BAS and bookkeeping for local individuals and small businesses.
- A$6k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A walk-in tax practice in a small office, serving both individuals and small businesses. You prepare returns and may also handle business activity statements (BAS) and basic bookkeeping, with a part-time admin helper as you grow.
Your first three steps
- Check the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) requirements for tax agents and BAS agents, and confirm what you or your staff need
- Shortlist a suburb or town with shops and small businesses, and compare rents for a small office or shared space
- Build a base of referrals from bookkeepers, real estate agents and local business groups before you sign a lease
Who pays
Local households, sole traders, tradies, cafes and other small businesses that want a face-to-face accountant nearby.
How it makes money
Fixed fees for individual and business returns, plus ongoing monthly or quarterly fees for BAS and bookkeeping, which smooth out the seasonal peak.
Skills that help
- Tax knowledge for individuals and small businesses
- Client relationships and local networking
- Organising a busy workload around deadlines
- Managing staff or contractors
Watch out for
- TPB registration for you and any staff who provide tax agent services, so check what applies
- Professional indemnity and public liability insurance
- Workers compensation insurance once you hire (check your state scheme)
- Lease commitments are a risk when income is seasonal
- Client data security and privacy obligations
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: local tax and small business office
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 small tax office in Australia?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your premises, fit-out, software and insurance. Lease commitments are a risk when income is seasonal, so check terms carefully.
What registrations and insurance should I check for a tax practice?
Things to check include TPB registration for you and any staff providing tax agent services, professional indemnity and public liability insurance, workers compensation once you hire (check your state scheme), and client data security and privacy obligations.
How much can a small tax and BAS office earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $18,000, depending on your client mix, services such as BAS and bookkeeping, and the season. Income is seasonal, so plan for quieter periods.
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