Every year, millions of Australians sit down to lodge their tax return — some excited about a refund, others dreading the paperwork. If you’re in Sydney, the good news is that getting professional help is easier (and more affordable) than most people think.
At Count Right Tax & Accounting, we help individuals and businesses across Sydney lodge accurate, complete tax returns — and claim every deduction they’re legally entitled to. Here’s what you need to know before you start.
When Is the Tax Return Deadline in Sydney?
For most individuals in Australia, the tax return deadline is 31 October each year, covering the financial year that ended 30 June. If you use a registered tax agent like Count Right Tax, you may be entitled to a lodgement extension — sometimes until May the following year.
Missing the deadline can attract late lodgement penalties from the ATO, so it’s worth getting started well before October, especially if your return is complex.
What Can You Claim on Your Tax Return?
This is the question we hear most often — and the honest answer is: more than most people realise. Common deductions for Sydney residents include:
- Work-related expenses — tools, uniforms, and protective clothing
- Home office running costs if you work from home (even part of the time)
- Vehicle and travel expenses for work purposes
- Self-education costs that relate directly to your current job
- Union fees, professional memberships, and subscriptions
- Investment property expenses including interest, repairs, and depreciation
The key rule is that expenses must be directly related to earning your income, not reimbursed by your employer, and you need records to back them up. A good tax accountant will help you identify deductions you might have missed.
Individual vs. Business Tax Returns — What’s the Difference?
Individual tax returns (also called personal tax returns) cover your salary, wages, investments, and rental income. Business tax returns are more complex — they cover a company, trust, partnership, or sole trader structure and require separate reporting for business income and expenses.
If you’re a sole trader, your business income is actually reported on your personal tax return, but you’ll still need to track expenses carefully throughout the year. We work with sole traders, small businesses, and larger companies across Sydney every tax season.
Why Use a Tax Accountant in Sydney?
Some people prefer to lodge through myGov themselves — and that’s completely fine for simple returns. But if you have investment properties, multiple income sources, a business, or you’re claiming deductions over a few hundred dollars, a professional tax accountant will almost certainly save you more than their fee.
Count Right Tax is a registered tax agent based in Kellyville, serving clients across the Hills District, Parramatta, Blacktown, and broader Sydney. We’re fully registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB), which means we’re legally authorised to prepare and lodge returns on your behalf.
How Much Does a Tax Return Cost in Sydney?
Our fees depend on the complexity of your return. A straightforward individual return typically starts from a few hundred dollars, while business returns vary based on your structure and the level of work involved. In most cases, our fee is tax deductible — meaning you can claim it next year.
What Documents Do You Need?
To make the process smooth, gather the following before your appointment:
- Your payment summaries or income statements from myGov
- Bank interest statements
- Receipts for any deductions you’re claiming
- Rental property income and expense records
- Records of any shares bought or sold during the year
- Details of government payments (Centrelink, etc.) if applicable
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything perfectly organised — that’s what we’re here for.
People Also Ask
- How long does a tax return take to process in Australia?
Once lodged, the ATO typically processes individual tax returns within two weeks for online lodgements. If there are errors or the ATO needs more information, it can take longer. Working with a registered tax agent often means faster processing.
- Can I claim my tax agent fees on my tax return?
Yes. Fees paid to a registered tax agent for preparing and lodging your return are tax deductible. You claim them in the following year’s return.
- What happens if I miss the tax return deadline?
The ATO may issue a failure to lodge penalty, which increases the longer you wait. If you engage a tax agent before the deadline, you may automatically receive an extension.
- Do I need to lodge a tax return if I earned under the tax-free threshold?
Not always, but you may still need to lodge if you had tax withheld, received government payments, or had a HELP debt. It’s best to check with a registered tax agent.
Ready to Lodge? We’re Here to Help
Count Right Tax makes lodging your Sydney tax return straightforward. Whether you’re an employee, investor, sole trader, or business owner, we’ll make sure your return is accurate, complete, and maximises your refund within the law.
Get in touch at countrighttax.com.au or visit us at 125 Arnold Avenue, Kellyville NSW 2155 to book your appointment.