What to Look for When Hiring a Registered Tax Agent for Your Business

Running a business is full of excitement, but it also comes with challenges. One of the most important responsibilities for any business owner is managing tax obligations. From filing returns to ensuring compliance with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), handling taxes can feel stressful and confusing, especially for small business owners juggling multiple roles.

This is where a registered tax agent comes in. A professional tax agent can help you stay compliant, save money, and give you peace of mind. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for your business?

To answer this, we turn to Layla Taylor, who has been guiding small businesses in Australia for over 35 years. Layla has seen the struggles business owners face and the relief they feel when they work with the right tax agent.

Layla’s Experience: Why the Right Tax Agent Matters

“When I first started in accounting,” Layla recalls, “many business owners tried to handle their taxes themselves. They used spreadsheets, online forms, or generic software. While they meant well, mistakes were common, and sometimes they faced fines from the ATO.”

She remembers a client, a small café owner, who spent her evenings trying to understand GST reporting, PAYG, and superannuation obligations. “She was exhausted and stressed. Her focus shifted away from growing her business and serving her customers,” Layla says.

After hiring a registered tax agent, everything changed. “Her tax returns were accurate, deductions were claimed correctly, and she felt a huge sense of relief. Choosing the right tax agent isn’t just about numbers — it’s about peace of mind,” Layla explains.

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What Is a Registered Tax Agent?

Before diving into what to look for, it’s important to understand the role of a registered tax agent:

• Prepares and lodges business tax returns.

• Advises on tax planning, deductions, and GST obligations.

• Ensures compliance with PAYG, BAS, and other regulations.

• Communicates with the ATO on your behalf.

• Helps avoid penalties and mistakes through accurate filings.

Registered tax agents are officially recognized by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB), meaning they meet professional standards and maintain confidentiality.

Why Hiring a Registered Tax Agent Matters

Layla highlights several key reasons:

1. Accuracy and Compliance
   Tax laws frequently change. A registered tax agent keeps up to date with the rules and ensures your business remains compliant.

2. Time-Saving
   Tax preparation can take hours or even days. A professional handles it efficiently, allowing you to focus on your business.

3. Maximize Deductions
   Experienced agents know which deductions your business is entitled to, potentially saving you money.

4. Peace of Mind
   Knowing an expert is handling your taxes reduces stress and the risk of errors or fines.

5. Professional Guidance
   A tax agent can advise on financial decisions, growth strategies, and tax planning to help your business succeed.

Key Things to Look for When Hiring a Registered Tax Agent

Based on Layla’s experience, here are the main factors to consider when choosing a tax agent:

1. TPB Registration

The first step is to ensure your tax agent is registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). This guarantees they meet professional standards and are authorized to prepare and lodge tax returns.

Layla’s Tip:
“Always ask for their TPB registration number. It’s a simple check that ensures you’re working with a legitimate professional.”

2. Relevant Experience

Not all tax agents specialize in small businesses. Some focus on corporations, while others handle specific industries. Look for someone who has experience with businesses similar to yours.

Layla’s Advice:
“I’ve seen owners hire agents who didn’t understand their industry. That often leads to missed deductions and unnecessary stress. Choose someone who knows your business type.”

3. Range of Services

Tax agents offer different services. Some only lodge returns, while others provide full tax planning, GST advice, payroll guidance, and financial reporting. Make sure the agent can meet your specific needs.

Example from Layla:
A small retail store needed help with GST, payroll, and year-end tax planning. Their agent handled all of it, saving the owner time and worry.

4. Recommendations and Reviews

Word-of-mouth referrals are extremely valuable. Ask fellow business owners or colleagues for suggestions. Online reviews can also provide insights into reliability and professionalism.

Layla’s Experience:
“Many clients find me through referrals. A trusted recommendation often tells you more than any marketing materials.”

5. Communication and Approachability

Your tax agent should be approachable and willing to explain complex tax rules in simple terms. Clear communication ensures you understand your obligations and can make informed decisions.

Layla’s Tip:
“Some business owners feel intimidated by jargon-heavy explanations. The right agent makes it understandable so you can feel confident.”

6. Fees and Value

Fees vary widely. Some agents charge a flat rate, others by the hour, or offer packages. Don’t just go for the cheapest — consider the value they provide.

Layla’s Advice:
“Paying a bit more upfront for an experienced agent often saves thousands in deductions you might miss or mistakes you could make.”

7. Use of Technology

Many modern tax agents use cloud software and online portals to manage documents and filings. This can make the process faster, more secure, and less error-prone.

Example from Layla:
A client used cloud accounting to upload invoices directly. The agent handled the rest, reducing errors and saving hours every month.

8. Trust and Comfort

Finally, trust your instincts. Your tax agent is a partner in your business. You should feel confident in their abilities and comfortable asking questions.

Layla’s Tip:
“If you feel unsure or uncomfortable, keep looking. Your tax agent should make you feel supported, not stressed.”

Real-Life Story

Layla shares a story from her experience:

“One small café owner tried to manage her taxes herself. She missed deductions, spent nights worrying about BAS, and felt overwhelmed every tax season. After hiring a registered tax agent, her returns were accurate, she saved money, and her stress disappeared. She told me, ‘I wish I had done this years ago.’ That’s the difference the right tax agent can make.”

Conclusion

Hiring a registered tax agent is one of the smartest decisions a business owner can make. The right agent ensures compliance, saves time, maximizes deductions, and reduces stress.

Here’s a quick checklist based on Layla Taylor’s 35 years of experience:

• Check their TPB registration

• Look for relevant experience in your industry

• Confirm their range of services

• Seek recommendations and reviews

• Ensure clear communication and approachability

• Compare fees and value

• Evaluate their use of technology

• Trust your instincts

As Layla says:

“Your tax agent is more than a number cruncher. They’re a partner who gives you confidence, peace of mind, and time to focus on what you love — running your business. Choosing the right one can transform the way you feel about taxes and your business overall.”

For any business owner, knowing what to look for in a registered tax agent is essential. It ensures accuracy, compliance, and a smoother, less stressful tax season — year after year.