Hi Guys
If you were to find a new accountant(especially if you have investment property and/or small to medium business), other than from recommendation what would affect your decision the most.
Please fill in the poll and also leave comments.
Thanks.
Maybe for a simple individual tax return. But how about companies, trust and smsf? Can you do it yourself?
I work in tax so I do deal with companies and trusts quite often. It's just a matter of understanding and interpreting legislation.
The only thing I cannot do is SMSF, but I do know a bit about it.
My only recommendation is to not get an accountant friend to do your taxes though. Finance and friends do not mix well.
Don't waste your time with mid tier accounting firms- they will take you to the cleaners.
From a taxation point of view a small accounting firm can offer you the same service for far less. There isn't much scope to tax minimize as the tax law here is quite strict.
Their familiarity with my situation, and experience in helping others in the same situation, e.g. already understanding salary packaging without me having to explain it.
word of mouth
My concern about asking friends about which accountant they recommend, is whether the said accountant will talk about my finances to the referrer as a point as part of casual convo.
I know, I know there are probably layers of rules and Code of Conduct the accountant broke by doing so, but still.
Rules mean nothing and some people just can't help but spill the beans.
Anything that is really private I tend to stay away from friend recommendations.
Likewise with (family recommended) GP and specialists!
haha I think this is probably worse, if you do have an 'embarrassing' issue.
It's just like choosing a lawyer like Saul Goodman- "You don't need a criminal lawyer, you need a "criminal" lawyer"
I heard there's this firm in Panama that is trusted by world leaders and thrifty people alike.
The interesting thing about this case is that many of these 'shelf companies' are actually legal. Well legal from an Australian taxation rules point of view.
Of course greed comes into play and some probably went too far 'minimising taxes' lol
More like "scary" that it's considered legal.
Very interesting how the names of US based politicians and persons involved with this company are withheld for some time, while those from europe, middle east and asia are named right away.
I choose myself.
Price: $0
Location: Same locale as my home
Website presentation: No website
Office presentation: Could definitely look better