Accountant and lawyer recommendation - Sydney

Hi all,
Just recently started my property investment journey (bought my first IP last week :eek:) and am looking to build up my "team".
Would highly appreciate any recommendation for a "property investment oriented" accountant in the Sydney area (preferably CBD, but not too fussed).

On the same subject, any recommendations for a lawyer would also be highly appreciated.

Thanks for the help.
 
Someone had recommended accountant Shukri Barbara below. Although, I havent used him before. Anyone heard anything good or bad about his service?


Shukri Barbara CPA CTA
Principal Adviser - Property Tax Specialists
office Level 3 suite 303, 71-73 Archer Street Chatswood NSW 2067
 
Shukri is very good with all aspects of property, tax etc. His seminars are less spruiker than most but he does partner up with some developers. That can be a turn off for some especially SSs who know what they want and are wary of paying inflated prices.
 
Does the accountant's reputation/standing with the ATO make a difference with the one you should pick?

There are only two types of tax agents in the true sense.
1. Those who are registered tax agents;
2. Those who are no longer tax agents

Avoid 2.

Its impossible to gauge a reputation other than word of mouth. ATO don't rate us. You are either in or out. And one person may be a master at property tax issues and know less about GST or super. Each will specialise and have access to like minded colleagues who fill their gaps.
 
I can recommend Chris Charlton from Charltons in the city for accounting advice. They have given a referral I made to them from ss some very good advice which was quiet simple but brilliant none the less. Not something I would have thought of etc etc just what you want from an accountant!

http://charltons.com.au/who_about.htm
 
Hi Mancha
We could personally recommend Lambrini Dranganoudis of Davis Legal (Sydney). She has been a great help to us since we started our property investment journey in 2010 ? prompt excellent service, alerts us of problems, always upfront, helps us to save money, gives options, friendly, knows property investment, good prices etc ... PM me if you want to know more details. More information : www.davis.com.au
AYK
 
I cringe when someone says they are looking to build up a 'team'!

What sort of lawyer are you looking for? And do you want an accountant or a tax agent?
 
Thanks all for the recommendations.

I cringe when someone says they are looking to build up a 'team'!
Agree. I also don't like this term and think it's a bit silly (as why I put it in quotes), however I see this term is used all over SS.
I guess what I meant to say is that I'm looking for an ongoing relationship (i.e. team) rather then a transactional relationship (i.e. just a one off service).

What sort of lawyer are you looking for? And do you want an accountant or a tax agent?

Good point. I think I need a tax agent more then an accountant, but not sure about the difference.
Basically, what I need is:
- Tax returns
- Tax planning
- Tax advise

All tax related, so guessing tax agent. Do tax agent handle tax return (sounds like a silly question)?
Also would like someone that has knowledge is entity structuring (i.e. trusts), although not sure it'll benefit me at this stage (or this a lawyer that handles these things?).
As for lawyer, not much more then the standard real estate contract review, but I do need to do some estate planning/will.
 
Only 2 types can give tax advice
1. lawyers
2. tax agents

Accountants cannot unless they are registered tax agents. lawyers cannot prepare tax returns unless they are tax agents either.

I am an estate planning lawyer, but I won't do conveyancing anymore, as it involves too much for too little.
 
Thanks all for the recommendations.


Agree. I also don't like this term and think it's a bit silly (as why I put it in quotes), however I see this term is used all over SS.
I guess what I meant to say is that I'm looking for an ongoing relationship (i.e. team) rather then a transactional relationship (i.e. just a one off service).



Good point. I think I need a tax agent more then an accountant, but not sure about the difference.
Basically, what I need is:
- Tax returns
- Tax planning
- Tax advise

What you seek is a tax agent. An accountant is often a tax agent but not always. You seek someone to advise and assist with advice and return preparation. The tax agent may give general information on structure and strategy which a lawyer should/could then give personal advice on.
 
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