Blog · Small Business
How to Choose an Accountant on the Sunshine Coast: 9 Questions to Ask
Searching "accountant Sunshine Coast" gives you plenty of options, but no easy way to tell them apart.
Below are the nine questions we'd ask in your shoes, plus a checklist to take into any first meeting, including one with us.
1. Are you a registered tax agent? (And how to check)
In Australia, tax agents and BAS agents are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). Generally, only registered tax and BAS agents can charge or receive a fee for tax agent, BAS or tax (financial) advice services. The ATO puts it simply: registered tax agents are the only people who can charge a fee to prepare and lodge your tax return.
To check someone:
- Go to tpb.gov.au and open the TPB Register (Public Register).
- Search by their legal or registration name, business name, or TPB registration number.
- Check the result shows registered, and whether they're a tax agent or a BAS agent.
The register also shows suspended or terminated registrations, and has a "find a tax practitioner near you" search.
2. What do your letters actually mean?
Here's the short version.
- Registered tax agent – registered with the TPB to provide tax agent services for a fee, such as preparing and lodging tax returns and advising on income tax.
- Registered BAS agent – registered with the TPB to provide BAS services, such as GST, PAYG withholding and other activity statement work. A BAS agent isn't registered to prepare your income tax return.
- CPA, CA and IPA – these are memberships of professional bodies: CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and the Institute of Public Accountants. All three are TPB-recognised professional associations, and membership comes with education and conduct requirements.
The key point: a membership isn't the same as TPB registration. Many good accountants have both, but registration is what lets them charge for tax work.
3. How do you charge – fixed fee or hourly?
Neither is wrong, but you should know which you're getting before work starts.
Fixed fees give certainty. Ask exactly what's included: how many BAS, whether bookkeeping clean-up is extra, and whether calls and emails are covered.
Hourly billing can suit one-off jobs. Ask for an estimate. Either way, get the scope and price in writing.
4. What software do you use, and will it work with mine?
Most small businesses now run on cloud accounting software such as Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks. Ask whether the accountant works in your platform day to day, and whether they hold any certification in it.
A good fit means less double handling and a clearer picture of your numbers during the year. If you're on spreadsheets or a shoebox, ask whether they can help set up bookkeeping properly.
5. Do you understand my industry?
According to Sunshine Coast Council's economic profile, health care and social assistance is the region's largest employer, with construction also one of the biggest. Add hospitality, tourism and retail, and industry knowledge matters. For example:
- Builders and trades in Queensland may need to meet QBCC financial reporting requirements. See our QBCC accounting for builders page.
- Health practitioners often have questions about structures, service entities and contractor arrangements.
- Hospitality and tourism businesses tend to deal with seasonal cash flow, casual staff and payroll obligations.
Ask: "What issues do you usually see in my industry?"
6. How quickly will you get back to me?
Ask:
- Who will I deal with day to day – the principal or a team member?
- What's your usual turnaround for emails and calls?
- How do you handle urgent questions, like an ATO letter?
7. Will you help me plan, or just lodge?
Compliance is lodging returns and BAS correctly and on time. Planning looks forward: reviewing your position before 30 June, checking your structure, and forecasting cash flow and tax.
If you want planning, ask how often they meet with clients and whether it's included or priced separately. Our business advisory page explains how we do it.
8. Can we work online, in person, or both?
The ATO notes you can engage a tax agent online or face to face. Whether you're in Noosa, Buderim, Caloundra, Maroochydore or out towards Gympie, ask whether they'll meet locally or by video, and how documents are shared securely.
9. How do I switch to you, and what happens with my lodgment dates?
Switching is usually simple.
Companies, trusts, partnerships and other ABN entities (not sole traders) must nominate their new agent through client-to-agent linking. In short, you log in to ATO Online services for business with your myID, go to Profile, then Agent details, add your new agent using their registered agent number, and submit. Then tell your new accountant, as they aren't notified automatically and have 28 days to add you.
Individuals and sole traders don't use this nomination step yet. The ATO plans an agent-initiated process for them, with a pilot from March 2027 and full rollout planned for November 2027. Until then, existing arrangements continue.
Timing matters. Most registered tax agents have a lodgment program that lets them lodge clients' returns after the usual 31 October deadline. But if you're lodging for yourself and want to be covered, the ATO says to contact your new agent before 31 October. If you engage an agent after that date, you may not be covered and could have an earlier due date. With 31 October 2026 only weeks away, now is the time to act if you're thinking about getting help with your tax return.
Red flags to watch for
- Promises of a big refund before they've seen your records.
- Not on the TPB Register, or reluctant to give you their registration number.
- A fee based on the size of your refund.
- No written scope or price.
- Pressure to sign a return you haven't seen or make claims you're unsure about.
You're still responsible for the records you give your agent.
What to bring to your first meeting
- Your last two years of tax returns and financial statements
- Recent BAS or IAS
- Access to your accounting software, or a list of what you use
- Any recent ATO letters or payment plans
- Your ABN and structure details, plus your questions and goals
Your accountant checklist
| Question | What a good answer looks like |
|---|---|
| Are you on the TPB Register? | Yes, and they give you their number to check at tpb.gov.au |
| Tax agent or BAS agent? | Matches what you need (income tax needs a tax agent) |
| How do you charge? | Clear fixed fee or hourly estimate, in writing |
| What software do you use? | Works in your platform day to day |
| Do you know my industry? | Real examples and common issues, not just "yes" |
| How fast do you respond? | Clear turnaround times and a named contact |
| Compliance or planning? | Can do both, and explains what's included |
| Online or in person? | Flexible, with a secure way to share documents |
| How do I switch? | Explains the ATO steps and your lodgment due dates |
How we help
Mentor Tax & Advisory is a registered tax agent (TPB registration 25901938) based on the Sunshine Coast, and Blake is a Xero L2 Certified Professional. We help business owners and families across the region with tax returns, BAS, bookkeeping, SMSF, QBCC accounting, structuring and advisory.
We'll give you clear pricing up front, and tell you honestly if we're not the right fit. If you're weighing up your options, book a free 30-minute consultation for business owners. Use our enquiry form or call Blake on 0400 074 846.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if an accountant is a registered tax agent?
Search the TPB Register at tpb.gov.au using their name, business name or registration number. The result shows whether they're registered, suspended or terminated, and whether they're a tax agent or BAS agent.
Can a BAS agent do my tax return?
No. BAS agents are registered to provide BAS services, such as GST and PAYG withholding. To have someone prepare and lodge your income tax return for a fee, you need a registered tax agent.
Is a CPA or CA the same as a registered tax agent?
Not necessarily. CPA, CA and IPA are memberships of professional bodies. Registration with the Tax Practitioners Board is separate, and it's what allows someone to charge for tax agent services. Many accountants hold both.
Is it hard to change accountants?
Usually not. Companies, trusts and other ABN entities (excluding sole traders) nominate their new agent in ATO Online services for business. Individuals and sole traders don't currently need that step.
If I change accountants now, do I get extra time to lodge my tax return?
Possibly. Most registered agents have a lodgment program with later due dates. The ATO recommends contacting a new agent before 31 October to be included. Your actual due date depends on your circumstances.
Do I need a local accountant on the Sunshine Coast?
Not strictly, as you can work with a tax agent online. Many people still value someone local who can meet in person.