Do I need an accountant to do my personal tax return?

Every Australian earning an income must lodge a personal tax return each year — but not everyone needs to hire an accountant to do it. Whether you should engage one depends on your financial situation, income sources, and how confident you are managing your own tax affairs. Here’s how to decide what’s right for you.

When you can do it yourself

If your finances are straightforward, lodging your own return can be simple and cost-effective.
You can use myTax, the ATO’s free online service through myGov, which guides you step-by-step. (ATO myTax service)

You can usually do it yourself if you:

Are an employee with one or two jobs.
Have minimal deductions or investment income.
Receive standard income (salary, wages, interest).
Don’t own a business or rental property.

With myTax, much of your income and super information is pre-filled automatically by the ATO. Just review, confirm, and submit — it’s simple, especially for PAYG employees.

When an accountant can help

For more complex financial situations, hiring an accountant can save time, stress, and often money. You should consider professional help if you:
- Earn income from multiple sources (business, rental, shares, overseas).
- Claim complex deductions (home office, vehicle, investment expenses).
- Have capital gains from selling shares or property. (ATO capital gains guide)
- Receive government payments or superannuation income streams.
- Are self-employed or operate a small business.
- Want to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of ATO penalties.
At Hambros, we specialise in helping individuals and families optimise deductions, manage superannuation, and plan ahead for long-term financial security.

Why using an accountant can be worth it

Even if you could lodge your return yourself, accountants often help you claim deductions you might not know about — including:
- Work-related expenses such as uniforms, equipment, and professional development. (ATO deductions for individuals)
- Super contributions and investment deductions.
- Costs related to income protection insurance or charitable donations.
In many cases, the refund increase or time saved far outweighs the accountant’s fee.

ATO registered tax agents

If you choose to use a professional, make sure they are a registered tax agent under the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). (tpb.gov.au register)
Registered agents, like the team at Hambros, can:
- Lodge your return on your behalf.
- Access extended lodgement deadlines.
- Communicate with the ATO for you.
- Correct errors or amend previous returns.

The advantage of planning ahead

An accountant doesn’t just help you at tax time — they help you plan all year round.
They can advise on:

Adjusting PAYG withholdings to improve cash flow.
Salary packaging and super contribution strategies.
Record-keeping for future deductions. (ATO record-keeping for individuals)

With Hambros’ personalised service, you can feel confident knowing your finances are managed efficiently and in full compliance with ATO standards.

Final thoughts:
If your tax situation is simple, myTax might be all you need. But if you have multiple income streams, investments, or just want the reassurance of professional expertise, an accountant is well worth the investment.
At Hambros, we make tax time easy — ensuring you get every deduction you’re entitled to and a smooth, stress-free experience from start to finish.