A TAX AGENT VS LODGING DIRECT

Keen to do it yourself? According to Melissa, if you’re earning under the tax-free threshold (up to $18,000) and you’re receiving all your tax back, then you should jump onto the ATO site and lodge it yourself.

‘However, I think it makes sense if you’re earning over the threshold, particularly in your first year of lodging your tax return, to find a great accountant so you can understand the many deductions you may not have thought of,’ she advises.

‘Certainly, we find that our fee is usually eclipsed by the deductions clients don’t realise they’re entitled to or the extra tips we give them.’

An added bonus, if you miss the lodgement deadline, you’ll potentially have longer to pay your tax or lodge your tax return, as tax agents have extended deadlines.