Individual Tax Returns in Port Stephens

The cost of a professionally prepared individual tax return varies depending on the complexity of your return — a straightforward return for a salary earner is typically less expensive than one involving rental properties, investment portfolios, capital gains, or a sole trader business.

We provide clear, upfront pricing before any work begins. Call us on 02 4984 3333 for a no-obligation quote tailored to your situation.

Most clients find the cost of a professional tax return is easily offset by the additional deductions found and the peace of mind that comes with an ATO-compliant lodgement.

The standard deadline for individual tax returns is 31 October each year, covering the financial year that ended 30 June. If you self-lodge through myTax, this is a hard deadline.

If you use a registered tax agent, you may be entitled to an extended lodgement deadline — but you must be registered with your agent before 31 October to access this.

Contact our Nelson Bay office before the end of October to confirm your lodgement date and ensure you are not caught by a late lodgement penalty.

The deductions available to you depend on your income sources and personal circumstances. Common deductions for individuals include work-related expenses (tools, uniforms, professional development), work-from-home costs, vehicle expenses for work travel, rental property expenses, investment-related costs, income protection insurance premiums, and charitable donations to DGR-endorsed organisations.

The ATO requires that you have a record to substantiate any deduction you claim, and that the expense is directly connected to earning your income.

Our team reviews your situation carefully to ensure you claim everything you are entitled to — accurately and in line with ATO requirements.

You can lodge your own return through myTax if your financial situation is relatively straightforward. However, many individuals miss deductions they are entitled to, make errors under changing ATO rules, or simply find the process time-consuming and stressful.

A registered tax agent brings expertise in current legislation, identifies deductions you may not know about, ensures ATO compliance, and takes on the responsibility for the accuracy of the return. For anyone with rental properties, investments, a side business, or multiple income sources, professional preparation is almost always worth the cost.

Our Nelson Bay team is a registered tax agent under the Tax Practitioners Board.

To make your appointment as efficient as possible, bring: your income statement from each employer (check myGov — it should be marked “tax ready”), bank interest statements from all accounts, dividend and investment statements, private health insurance annual statement, any work-related expense receipts (or a log if claiming work-from-home hours), rental property income and expense records if applicable, and your bank account BSB and number for any refund.

If you are a sole trader or have other income sources, bring those records too. We will send you a preparation checklist when you book your appointment.