Tick through registrations, scope, pricing, software access and handover steps before you appoint or change accountants.
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Use this checklist before you sign with a new accountant, bookkeeper or BAS agent, and again when you change providers. It focuses on the points that most often cause disputes or extra fees: work done by someone not registered for it, a scope that left out a return or an entity, software you do not control, and records that go missing at handover.
Work through the groups in order. Registration comes first because only a registered tax agent can charge a fee to prepare an income tax return, and only a registered tax or BAS agent can charge for BAS services. The Tax Practitioners Board register is free to search. Scope and price come next: ask for every item in writing, including what happens if the ATO writes to you or the job turns out larger than expected. Software and access matter because the subscription and the data should normally sit in the business's name, so you can leave without losing records.
When changing providers, follow the switching accountants guide. For what to put in the contract itself, see the engagement letter guide. The checklist is general; if your affairs involve several entities, international income or a dispute with the ATO, ask for a specialist.
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