Accountant in Rockhampton

Most accountants now price by fixed monthly package rather than the hour. A sole trader's annual return is a modest one-off fee; a small limited company's year-end accounts plus tax filing is a mid three- to four-figure annual cost; ongoing bookkeeping and payroll add a monthly retainer on top.

In Rockhampton, ask other business owners for referrals, confirm the firm holds a recognised professional-body membership, and check they know your industry. A short intro call plus a clear fixed-fee proposal beats picking on price alone.

Scope (exactly which filings and services are included), fees and how they're billed, deadlines and your responsibilities for providing records, and what falls outside the fee. A one-line quote with no engagement letter is a red flag.

Yes — legitimate planning around business structure, allowable expenses, pension contributions, timing of income, and available reliefs is core work. Be wary of anyone promoting aggressive 'schemes'; if it sounds too good, it usually attracts penalties later.

Common triggers: incorporating a company, hitting the VAT/GST registration threshold, taking on employees, or spending too many hours on the books yourself. Engaging one before year-end (not the week the return is due) gets you planning value, not just compliance.

Individual returns run $150-700; company annual accounts and tax $1,500-5,500 depending on complexity. Confirm whether the fee includes GST and BAS lodgement across the year, not just the annual return.