Tax returns - any agent?

[golli]

Hi All,

As mentioned in a previous post this will be my first tax return with an investment property. In previous years I have just used etax.

There are a number of tax agents around that claim to be the best and offer the highest level of deductions, however I'd like to know from those of you who have some experience with this if certain agents that are better than others.

I assume there are tax agents and then there are TAX AGENTS so am I okay going to a company like ITP or am I best going to a smaller specialist?

I have tried to book with my accountant who charges $200 for a single income return with 1 I.P however he is not available until mid August. They can complete my return prior to this date however I do not want to risk this if I am going to end up having the tax return done by some intern or accountant in training as I fear I will not maximise my returns.

Look forward to your feedback.

 

[Paul@PFI]

Your are thinking smart...Make sure that whoever does your tax is qualified and a tax agent personally. If they promise big refunds its a worry. I cant do that. YOUR spending dictates deductions. Many of the larger refunds are just because the taxpayer has had excessive tax withheld. Not my handiwork. I try to discuss all possible issues and enquire to explore opportunities. I advise....

I have found some small franchises staffed by very good people. Others are rubbish and unqualified having done a brief tax preparers course - That not a qualified person !!

Beware some smaller franchises they headline a price then charge for every extra. A $119 return can quickly get to $200+ just because you want them to deduct fees from refund etc. That service can be very costly for some. Some hit you with card fees, etc...

I have never thought much of the dudes in the shopping centres.

 

[Nattl3s]

I don't recommend H&R Block - hope no one on the forum is with them - Maybe i got a dodgy newbie fresh from a 1 day course 10 years ago.
You can download a rental property info book from the ATO (just search rental property) which goes through what you can and cant claim in some detail with examples. If you read through that and go through etax armed with a depreciation report, you might feel confident about lodging it yourself or you could always do this and then visit a tax agent.
Cheers, nat

 

[bobby85]

I don't recommend H&R Block - hope no one on the forum is with them - Maybe i got a dodgy newbie fresh from a 1 day course 10 years ago.

Nat,
I would also NOT recommend H&R Block.
I don't usually voice my opinions (especially negative) about businesses. I went last year and it was a complete joke. The agent was telling me about how he was sitting the GAMSAT to enter Medicine.
Also spent 3 hours to do the return and deliberately missed many smaller items as they were 'confusing' him.

A joke of a franchise. Stay clear of H&R Block.
I go to my local accountant who runs his own business. He's been doing it for decades and does a quick and efficient return.

(Edit: Reason I went to HRBlock last year was due to work/time commitments and they were the only one available. Go figure.)