A registered tax agent is a professional who is authorised by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) to prepare and lodge tax returns on behalf of clients. In Australia, tax agents must meet qualification and experience requirements and maintain their registration through continuing professional development. The TPB maintains a public register of all registered tax agents so you can verify anyone you are considering working with.
What a tax agent does for you
A tax agent reviews your income and circumstances, identifies any deductions or offsets you are entitled to, prepares your return, and lodges it with the ATO on your behalf. They handle the communication with the ATO and can respond to any queries or issues that arise after lodgment. If you are audited or the ATO raises questions about your return, your agent manages that process.
Why working holiday makers benefit from using one
For working holiday makers, there are several reasons to use a registered tax agent rather than lodging yourself. If you had multiple employers during the year, your income picture is more complex and the risk of making errors is higher. If you are lodging from overseas after leaving Australia, navigating the ATO's online systems without Australian residency can be complicated. If you are unsure what deductions you are entitled to, an agent will identify things you might have missed.
There is also the extended lodgment deadline. When you lodge through a registered tax agent, you benefit from the agent's extended deadline, which gives you more time beyond the standard 31 October cutoff.
How to verify a tax agent is legitimate
Check the TPB's public register at tpb.gov.au before engaging anyone to lodge your return. The register shows whether a person or company is currently registered, what their registration covers, and any disciplinary history. You should never use someone who claims to be a tax agent but cannot provide a TPB registration number.
We operate under the supervision of a registered tax agent. Our details are listed on the TPB register and available on request.
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Work with a registered tax agent
We are supervised by a registered tax agent and handle Australian tax returns for working holiday makers from around the world. Get in touch and we will take care of your return.
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