Suitable for: Anyone who is considering Airtax's services

Tax Difficulty: Beginner

Airtax Experience: Anyone

Time to read: 2-4 minutes

Airtax vs Accountant

Our team has been asked more than once, perhaps even more than five times, "why choose Airtax over an accountant?”

We could rattle off an answer about Airtax being cool, Airtax being orange, or something else superficial like that. But, if we put it to you bluntly, Airtax is cheaper and more convenient with other extras you can’t get from your local accountant.

Airtax vs Accountant in BAS lodgements

Airtax is cheaper than an accountant

A career in accounting is said to be one of the most secure professions - sometimes a boring one, but we won’t go there. Accountants are highly trained professionals who deal with the core of a business’ or an individual's livelihood.

Given their expertise which is not something that can be learned and easily trusted, and the demand for their services, the hourly fee for accounting and tax services ranges broadly between $100 and $500 or more.

On the other hand, you can use a service backed by the world's leading Global Mobility practice, and pay a significantly lower portion than you would a traditional accountant.

Generally, an accountant will charge a flat fee for tax services - i.e., completing and lodging an income tax return. However, as is the nature of services, hidden fees or additional charges can pop up, which you can’t say no to. Using an option like Airtax, you’ll know upfront what you have to pay for your lodgement.

Airtax is more convenient than an accountant

Three words: it’s an app.

We could probably leave it at that, but let’s paint you a little picture to show you just how convenient Airtax is:

Simon* lives a busy lifestyle. He gave up his full time day job to concentrate on his own consulting business. Simon predicted that his customer base would be higher than it is at this point, so he decided to pick up some extra work, in his spare time, and become a rideshare driver.

As Simon is a freelance consultant (i.e., a sole trader), he had already registered as an ABN and for GST, with visions to find financial success shortly after beginning his work. Having taken up rideshare driving, he read about the ATO’s ruling and tax requirements for this work and realised he’d have to not only lodge his income tax return but need to do GST reporting earlier than expected.

When starting his consulting work, a friend in a similar situation recommended seeing an accountant to take care tax. For his first BAS lodgement as a rideshare driver, he spent time collecting the required information and documents, then more time travelling to visit the accountant in person… then more time sorting out some information he’d missed.

The second time around, he heard about Airtax from another friend (who we’d say is better, right?) and decided to give it a go. He downloaded the app on his phone, connected his Uber account with Airtax to pre-fill his driving income into the BAS form and as a result, got his first lodgement for free. The best thing - he did all of this on the couch at home. The only travel required for this lodgement was after he’d finished - to the kitchen for a snack before the next Netflix binge watching session.

What’s the same? (which is a good thing)

Trusted

We spoke earlier about accountants - Airtax is a trusted platform, created and administered by an accounting company. It’s a new product, but has a strong team behind it, listening to customers suggestions and seeking ways to become even better.

Refunds, maximised

You don’t need to be an accountant to maximise your refund. Your accountant will give you verbal tips - while Airtax has all the hints, tips and tricks at your fingertips. One great feature, which will help you with your income tax return, is being about to compare the deductions you’ve claimed with others like you. Not sure if claiming 100% of your phone bill is wise? No worries, check what others in your profession are claiming.

Support

We’re online - and you can ask us any question. Like an accountant too, but you may need to call at the right time, or wait for a delayed email response.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it’s your choice how you do your compulsory tax - use an accountant, use an app like Airtax or maybe DIY. It’s also your choice for what you should pay, how much time it will take you and the level of stress (or not) it will give you.

Are you ready to join the digital tax age? Sign up to Airtax for free, pay when you lodge.

*Simon is a fictional person, based on characteristics of an Airtax customer

If you want to speak to someone about your current Airtax income tax return, book in a Tax Assist call or Tax Professional call with a tax specialist.

This document merely provides a broad outline of the subject and is necessarily general in nature.  If you require specific advice, which is tailored to your specific circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us (fees would apply).