Accountant recommendation

[cleopatra]

Hi, sorry, this is a really boring post
I am quite dissatisfied with my accountant. The practice changed hands two years ago, and I don't feel I'm getting the most from the tax department. Over the past 2 years, my tax return has decreased by almost $2500 (we have a few IP's) and I get very little personal service and after this year's returna nd no real explanation for the change (decrease in return), I'm a bit peeved. Can anyone recommend an accountant in the Redlands area of Brisbane - someone who specialises in IP's? If not Redlands, then anywhere in Brisbane - I can travel.
Thx,

 

[Terry_w]

Size of the tax refund is essentially meaningless. if an employer takes out more money for tax then they usually do you will get a bigger refund - nothing to do with the tax agent's skills at tax. You just need to be sure you are claiming all you can possibly claim.

 

[Jamie M]

Hiya

A few threads:

http://somersoft.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102197

http://somersoft.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99449

http://somersoft.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88784

http://somersoft.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77273

Cheers

Jamie

 

[Paul@PFI]

Cleopatra's post is fairly typical in the accounting world. Unfortunately accounting attracts insular people (the nerdy accountant type). Many of them lack quality verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Sadly an increasing number of ESL (English second language) tertiary entrants see accounting as a career cause they may be great at numerical stuff etc. Making the problem far worse.

While accounting and tax are a numerical issue its largely a communication exercise. Converting technical knowledge into client-focussed solutions.

The ability to advise is the best skill an accountant and tax adviser should possess. That includes the ability to break down a problem and describe in simple terms the issues that the client understands. I don't need to tell you why or how the tax act works but I need you to understand the key issues and how to overcome / address them. My best example is why a logbook is important....In one sentence I can explain that a logbook is the only way to claim vehicle costs of more than 33.33%. So if estimated use is more than 33.33% do a logbook...Its that simple.

I actually avoid face to face tax return meetings as it means the focus is on the client watching me bash away at a keyboard. That is very unproductive. Instead I prefer to do the return THEN discuss / meet and address all the things I want to raise and that they want to ask. Far more productive.