Tax Return Accountant Perth: How to Maximise Your Refund the Legal Way
As well as ensuring you have all deductions you are entitled to, a tax return accountant in Perth will ensure you don’t fall into any traps the ATO is looking for, and ensure your tax return is submitted on time. The goal is not to obtain the maximum refund, it’s any refund. It is the right refund and records will withstand an ATO audit.
The majority of people are looking for a larger tax refund. That is fair. However, many Perth taxpayers either overlook valid deductions or are claiming items that they can’t substantiate. They all can end up costing you money.
You’ll find out where refunds are frequently lost, what the ATO is especially checking on, and how a good tax advisor in Perth can assist you.
Why Refunds Are Often Smaller Than They Should Be
Folks can have a smaller refund than they are entitled to for three common reasons:
- They do not remember the deductible expenses, such as the union fee, professional subscriptions or last year’s tax agent fee.
- They are not record keepers and can’t show what costs they have actually incurred.
- They opt for the wrong expense, such as car or home expense.
A tax return accountant checks over all of your year of finances to ensure that nothing is overlooked.
Common Deductions for Perth Taxpayers
| Deduction | Who usually claims it | Record you need |
|---|---|---|
| Working from home (70c per hour for 2025-26) | Office and hybrid workers | Record of actual hours, plus one bill for each expense type |
| Car expenses (cents per km or logbook) | Workers who drive between job sites | Trip records or a 12-week logbook |
| Tools and equipment | Tradies, FIFO and mining workers | Receipts; items over $300 are depreciated |
| Protective clothing and uniforms | Healthcare, trade and mining workers | Receipts |
| Self-education | Workers studying for their current job | Course fees and receipts |
| Union and professional fees | Many employees | Annual statement |
| Investment property costs | Property investors | Interest, rates, repairs, agent fees, depreciation schedule |
| Cost of managing tax affairs | Everyone who used an agent | Last year’s invoice |
The ATO sets clear rules for each deduction. The fixed rate for working from home, for example, requires a record of the hours you actually worked, and estimates are not accepted (ATO).
The Golden Rules for Every Claim
The ATO uses three simple tests. To claim a work-related deduction:
- You must have spent the money yourself and not been reimbursed.
- It must directly relate to earning your income.
- You must have a record to prove it.
If you use something for both work and private purposes, you can only claim the work-related part.
Mistakes the ATO Commonly Targets
The ATO uses data matching to spot claims that look out of place. Watch out for these common errors:
- Claiming home-to-work travel. Normal commuting is private, even if you live far away.
- Claiming conventional clothing. Everyday clothes are not deductible, even if your employer asks you to wear them.
- Rental property errors. Claiming the full cost of improvements in one year, or claiming interest on the private part of a loan.
- Leaving out income. Bank interest, side-hustle earnings, gig work and crypto gains must all be declared.
- Copying last year’s claims. Your claims must reflect this year’s actual costs.
A careful tax return accountant in Perth checks each claim before lodging, which lowers the risk of an amended assessment later.
How a Tax Advisor in Perth Adds Value All Year
The best tax services in Perth do not stop at lodging a return. A good advisor also helps you:
- Plan before 30 June, for example by timing deductible purchases.
- Use concessional super contributions to reduce taxable income (within the caps).
- Structure investments in the most tax-effective way.
- Get a depreciation schedule for an investment property.
- Deal with ATO letters quickly and correctly.
Doing It Yourself vs Using a Tax Return Accountant
| Situation | Self-lodge OK? | Accountant recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| One job, no other income, few deductions | Yes | Optional |
| Work from home or car claims | Possible | Yes, to choose the best method |
| Rental property | Risky | Yes |
| Sold shares, crypto or property | Risky | Yes |
| ABN or side business | Risky | Yes |
| Received an ATO letter | No | Yes |
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
Make your appointment faster and cheaper with this short list:
- Log in to myGov and check your income statement is “tax ready”.
- Gather receipts in one folder (a phone photo is fine).
- Bring your work-from-home hours record and car logbook.
- List any assets you sold during the year.
- Bring your private health insurance statement.
A Trusted Tax Return Accountant in Perth
If you want an experienced local team, TFP Tax Accountants is a solid choice. The firm prepares individual, sole trader and investor returns and offers year-round advice from its office at 252 Fitzgerald Street, Perth.
Clients can also use the free TFP Tax calculator to estimate their tax before booking. With a Registered Tax Agent and CPA-qualified advisor on the team, TFP Tax has built a strong reputation, which you can see in its Google reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tax return accountant in Perth get me a bigger refund?
A good accountant makes sure you claim every legal deduction and choose the best method for each claim. This often increases your refund, but only within the law.
What records should I keep for my tax return?
Keep receipts, invoices, bank statements, logbooks and work-from-home hour records. The ATO generally requires you to keep records for five years from when you lodge.
Is my accountant’s fee tax-deductible?
Yes. The cost of managing your tax affairs, including your tax agent’s fee, can generally be claimed in the following year’s return.
What should I do if I made a mistake on last year’s return?
Talk to a registered tax agent. They can lodge an amendment to fix the error, which is much better than waiting for the ATO to find it.
Final Thoughts
The right tax return accountant in Perth can assist you in claiming your refund that you are rightfully entitled to and ensure your records are safe and secure. Know the rules, keep track of the game and have someone else help with the more complex aspects. You will be helping yourself in the future!
This article does not take into account your personal circumstances. Speak with a registered tax agent for advice.
