Can you claim your tax agent’s fee as a deduction?
When the ATO lets you deduct the cost of using a registered tax agent, what else counts as a cost of managing your tax affairs, and what does not.
Checked against official sources on 21 Oct 2026
What you can claim
The ATO lists the cost of lodging your tax return through a registered tax agent, and tax advice from a recognised tax adviser, as costs of managing your tax affairs. Other examples on the ATO list include tax reference material, tax software (apportioned if you also use it for other purposes) and travel to get tax advice from a recognised tax adviser.
Who counts as a recognised tax adviser
The ATO’s myTax instructions describe a recognised tax adviser as a registered tax agent, BAS agent, qualified tax relevant provider or legal practitioner. The ATO says you can’t claim for tax advice from someone who is not a tax agent registered with the TPB or a qualified tax relevant provider registered with ASIC.
When to claim it
Fees are generally deductible in the income year you incur them. For individual returns this is question D10, Cost of managing tax affairs.
One invoice for a couple
If one invoice covers your return and a spouse’s, the ATO says you need to split the fee, be able to show how you worked out each share, and keep records.
Check the agent first
Use our tax agent check or the TPB register to confirm the person or firm is registered.
Questions
Are tax agent fees tax deductible in Australia?
Yes. The ATO lets you claim the cost of lodging your tax return through a registered tax agent as a cost of managing your tax affairs.
Where do I claim tax agent fees on my return?
At question D10, Cost of managing tax affairs, in the income year you incurred the fee.
Can I claim fees paid to an unregistered preparer?
No. The ATO says you can't claim for tax advice from someone who is not a registered tax agent or a qualified tax relevant provider registered with ASIC.