Do you need an accountant as an independent support worker?
Should an independent NDIS support worker hire an accountant? What they do, when it pays off, what it costs, DIY vs pro, and how to find one who knows sole traders.
The honest answer: it depends
What an accountant actually does for you
When an accountant pays for itself
What it costs — and the tax break
DIY vs accountant — a straight comparison
Questions to ask before you hire one
Finding one who understands NDIS sole traders
Making the relationship work
Frequently asked questions
Do I legally need an accountant as an independent support worker?
No. As a sole trader you can lodge your own tax return through myGov, and many support workers do. An accountant is optional. The question is whether one saves you more than they cost in money, time and stress — which becomes more likely as your income, deductions and complexity (like GST or PAYG instalments) grow.
Is an accountant's fee tax deductible?
Generally yes. The cost of managing your tax affairs — preparing and lodging your return and getting tax advice — is usually deductible, reducing your taxable income the following year. That makes the true cost lower than the invoice. Check the current rules on the ATO website or ask the accountant to confirm what…
How much does an accountant cost for a sole trader?
It varies with your location, how complex your affairs are, and how organised your records are. A simple sole-trader return costs far less than one tangled with GST and unsorted receipts. The biggest lever is tidy books — accountants charge for their time, so clean, categorised records directly lower your bill.
Can I just do my own tax return instead?
Yes, especially if your situation is simple — few clients, straightforward deductions, no GST. myGov guides you through a sole-trader return. The risk is missing deductions or misreading a rule. A popular middle path is doing your own bookkeeping all year and handing tidy records to an accountant just for the return.
How do I find an accountant who understands NDIS work?
Ask other independent support workers for referrals, check support-worker communities, and confirm the person is a registered tax agent on the Tax Practitioners Board register. Look for someone experienced with sole traders and contractors, ideally with NDIS clients. Many accountants work online, so you're not limited…
When should I hire an accountant rather than wait?
Consider one when you're newly independent and want to set up right, when your income and client numbers grow, when you claim tricky deductions like car or home office, when you're near the GST threshold, or when PAYG instalment notices start arriving. Paying for first-year setup can save money for years, even if you…