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Stuck deciding DIY or professional help at tax time? Learn if a tax return consultant is worth the cost and can boost your refund. Book your consult now.
DIY vs. Pro: Is a Tax Return Consultant Worth the Money?
Tax time brings up the same question every year. Should you lodge your own tax return on myGov, or pay a tax return consultant to do it for you?
Both options work, but the right choice depends on your situation.
This guide breaks it down in simple words, so you can decide with confidence.
What Is a Tax Return Consultant?
A tax return consultant is a trained professional who prepares and lodges your tax return for you.
They know current tax law, they check your income and deductions carefully, and they make sure nothing important is missed.
Many people first try this kind of support through individual tax return services, which handle everything from a single job return to more complex situations with investments or rental income.
How They Differ From Doing It Yourself
When you lodge your own return through myTax, you enter the numbers, and the software checks basic rules for you.
A tax return consultant does more than that. They look at your full financial picture, ask questions you might not think to ask yourself, and point out deductions you may not know you can claim. This is the real difference between simple software and real human advice.
When Doing Your Own Tax Return Makes Sense
DIY is not a bad choice. For many people, it is actually the right one.
Simple Situations Where DIY Works Fine
If you have one job, no rental property, no shares, and no business income, myTax is usually enough. Your income information is often already pre-filled, and the process only takes a short time.
Students, first-time filers, and employees with straightforward pay can usually manage this without any help at all.
When a Tax Return Consultant Is Worth the Money
Once your situation gets more complicated, a tax return consultant starts to earn their fee back in real value.
Complex Situations That Need Expert Help
If you feel unsure or confused while filling out your own return, that confusion is often a sign that you need help.
A good income tax return consultant can turn a stressful task into a quick, guided process.
Rental Property, Investments, and Business Income
Rental income, capital gains from shares or crypto, foreign income, and small business or sole trader income all add extra rules. Getting these wrong can mean a smaller refund, or worse, an ATO review later on.
This is exactly where tax return consultants add the most value, since they know how to report these correctly the first time.
What Does a Tax Return Consultant Actually Cost?
Many people avoid a consultant because they assume it is too expensive. In reality, the cost is often smaller than expected.
Fees vs Value
Most tax return consultants charge a fixed fee, and this fee is usually tax deductible itself.
If a consultant helps you claim deductions you would have missed on your own, the extra refund can easily cover the cost of the tax return consultation.
It is not just about the fee. It is about what you get back in return, along with peace of mind that your return is correct.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
There is no single right answer for everyone. The decision comes down to your own situation and comfort level.
A Simple Checklist
DIY may suit you if you have one job, simple income, and feel confident using myTax. A tax return consultant is worth considering if you have a rental property, investments, business income, foreign income, or you simply feel unsure about doing it yourself.
If you want to understand the online lodgment process first, this step-by-step guide to lodging tax returnis a good place to start before deciding which path suits you.
Location does not limit your options either. Clients working with atax return consultant in Sydney or a tax return consultant in Adelaideget the same level of support and attention, whether they meet online or in person.
Not sure which path is right for your tax return this year? Get in touch with UBS Accountantsand talk to a tax return consultant who can walk you through your options.
Conclusion
Choosing between DIY and a tax return consultant comes down to how simple or complex your income is, and how confident you feel handling it alone. Simple returns are often fine with myTax, but rental property, investments, business income, or general uncertainty are all good reasons to get expert help.
UBS Accountants has supported many Australians through both simple and complex tax returns, offering clear advice and honest guidance so you always know your return is done right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a tax return consultant always get me a bigger refund?
Not always, but they often find deductions you may have missed, which can lead to a larger refund than you would get alone.
Is using a tax return consultant more expensive than doing it myself?
It costs more upfront than free software, but the fee is usually tax deductible, and the extra deductions found can offset the cost.
Are tax agent fees tax deductible?
Yes, in most cases the fee you pay a registered tax agent is deductible on your next tax return.
Can I start DIY and then get help later?
Yes. If you start your own return and feel unsure partway through, you can stop and speak to a tax return consultant before lodging.
Is myTax good enough for simple tax returns?
Yes, for a single job with no investments or business income, myTax is usually simple and sufficient.