A Freelancer’s Guide to Finding the Best Tax Advisor in Australia

Freelancing is exciting, isn’t it? You get to be your own boss, choose your projects, and have the kind of freedom many people dream of. But let’s be honest—it also comes with responsibilities that no one warns you about. One of the biggest ones? Taxes.

Over my 35 years of helping freelancers, contractors, and small business owners, I’ve seen this again and again. People love the flexibility freelancing gives them, but when it comes to managing tax, they feel lost. Some try to do it themselves and end up making mistakes that cost them money. Others delay things until deadlines are around the corner, leaving them stressed and worried.

That’s why finding the right tax advisor is so important. A good advisor doesn’t just help you “do the numbers”—they guide you, support you, and make sure you don’t miss out on opportunities to save and grow. In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned over decades of working with people just like you. Think of it as practical, friendly advice from someone who’s seen it all.

Why Freelancers Need a Tax Advisor

When you’re an employee, your employer looks after tax for you. Money is withheld from your pay, and at the end of the year, your tax return is usually simple.

But when you’re freelancing, things get more complicated:

• You might have multiple clients paying you at different times.

• You have to handle invoices, receipts, and GST if you’re registered.

• You need to track what expenses you can claim, like home office costs, software, internet, or travel.

• You’re responsible for superannuation, because no boss is paying it for you.

• And of course, you must stay on top of deadlines and compliance—missing these can mean costly penalties.

This is why a tax advisor is not just a “nice to have.” They’re someone who helps you stay organised, stress less, and keep more of your hard-earned income in your own pocket.

If managing your books is taking up too much of your time, let Globus Prosourcing take the stress off your plate. As a trusted bookkeeping services provider, we ensure your financial records are accurate, up-to-date, and compliant. Focus on growing your business while we take care of the numbers behind the scenes.

Where to Start Looking

Now, the big question: where can you actually find the right tax advisor in Australia? Over the years, I’ve guided many freelancers through this process, and I always recommend starting with a few tried-and-tested places.

1. Ask Fellow Freelancers for Referrals

Word of mouth is powerful. Other freelancers often know who’s reliable because they’ve worked with them already. Ask your peers, colleagues, or even in online freelancer groups: “Do you have a tax advisor you’d recommend?” Chances are, someone has a trusted contact.

I’ve gained many clients this way over the years, simply because one happy freelancer told another about their positive experience.

2. Check Professional Accounting Bodies

In Australia, you can look at:

• CPA Australia

• Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)

• Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)

Tax advisors connected to these organisations are held to high professional standards, which gives you peace of mind.

3. Use the Tax Practitioners Board Register

This is something many freelancers don’t know about. The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) has an online register where you can check if someone is officially licensed to give tax advice. Only registered agents are legally allowed to do this. So before you hire anyone, make sure their name is on the TPB list.

4. Look for Specialists in Freelancers and Contractors

Some accountants focus on working with freelancers, contractors, and small business owners. They understand irregular income, creative industry deductions, and gig-economy challenges. If you’re in areas like IT, design, writing, or consulting, finding someone who already helps people in your field makes life easier.

5. Explore Local Small Business Accountants

Don’t underestimate the value of local accountants. Many small business advisors in your community already work with sole traders and freelancers. They may offer face-to-face meetings, which some people find reassuring.

How to Choose the Best Tax Advisor

Finding names is the first step, but how do you know which advisor is right for you? Over the years, I’ve come up with a simple checklist that freelancers find helpful.

1. Check Their Credentials

Are they registered with the Tax Practitioners Board? This is non-negotiable.

2. Ask About Their Experience With Freelancers

Not every advisor understands the freelancer lifestyle. Ask them: “Have you worked with freelancers before?” If they have, they’ll already know what expenses apply to you and how to manage irregular income.

3. Understand Their Fees

Some charge by the hour, others offer fixed packages. Find out upfront so there are no surprises later. Remember, this is an investment—not just a cost.

4. Look for Approachability

This is something many people overlook. You want an advisor you feel comfortable with, someone who won’t make you feel silly for asking questions. Taxes can be confusing—you deserve someone who explains things in simple terms.

5. Check If They Offer More Than Just Tax Returns

The best advisors don’t only file your return. They also guide you with planning, saving for super, setting up the right structure, and even future financial goals.

A Story from My Experience

I remember working with a young photographer a few years ago. She had just gone full-time freelancing and was struggling with her taxes. She had piles of receipts, no proper system, and was scared of the ATO. She thought she couldn’t afford a tax advisor.

When she finally came to me, I helped her set up a simple record-keeping system, explained what she could claim, and managed her first BAS. Within a year, she was no longer stressed about tax deadlines. In fact, she started putting money aside confidently for super and even saved enough for a small overseas trip.

She later told me, “Layla, I didn’t just find a tax advisor—I found peace of mind.” And that’s exactly what the right advisor can give you.

Benefits of Having the Right Tax Advisor

Let’s wrap up the key benefits you’ll enjoy:

• Less stress: You don’t have to figure out tax rules alone.

• More savings: They’ll help you claim legitimate deductions you might miss.

• Better compliance: No more penalties or missed deadlines.

• Time back: More hours for your actual work (and life).

• Future planning: Advisors guide you on super, investments, and growth.

Final Thoughts

Freelancing in Australia is full of opportunities, but it also comes with financial responsibilities. You don’t have to carry the weight of taxes on your own. Finding the best tax advisor means you’ll have someone walking beside you, guiding you, and making sure your hard work pays off in the long run.

After 35 years of helping people just like you, I can confidently say: once you find the right advisor, you’ll wonder why you ever tried to do it alone. Don’t wait for tax season to panic—start your search now. Your future self will thank you.