Tax time can be overwhelming but being organised can make the whole process much smoother.
At DS Financial Partners, we are here to help you take the stress out of your return.
When meeting your accountant, please don’t come empty handed. By being prepared with the right information and documents, this will save time, maximise your deductions and get the most out of your return.
Most of your income (wages, interest, dividends, and private health insurance) is already pre-filled with the ATO. Your focus should be on deductions.
Work related expenses: uniforms, laundry, subscriptions, tools
Home office expenses: internet, mobile, electricity
Donations to registered charities
Investment property expenses
Education or professional development costs
Accounting fees from last year
Having receipts, invoices, or summaries for these items ready, will save time and help ensure you claim everything you're entitled to.
Your accountant will have a general idea on what expenses will be claimable for your profession but being organised will help save them time!
Ensure Records Are Up to Date.
If you’re running a business; whether as a sole trader, partnership, trust or company, it’s crucial that your financial data is up to date.
If you use cloud accounting software (like Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks), ensure that:
Your accounts are reconciled
All income and expenses are coded correctly
Payroll and superannuation are finalised
If you don’t use software, make sure you bring:
Bank statements covering the full financial year
Cash books or spreadsheets reflecting all business income and expenses
Records of asset purchases or disposals
Loan statements, finance agreements, and any business-related documents that may affect tax
For those businesses who use cloud software, make sure your accountant has access to the online files.
This will save time and will make the whole process easier, rather than multiple phone calls or emails to verify information.
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It doesn’t matter whether your records are digital or physical, the key is to keep them organised.
Having a simple spreadsheet or folder can help you easily track your finances.
If you’re unsure whether something is deductible, bring it along anyway.
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Many people wait until the last minute to lodge their tax return.
For tax agents, the deadline is the 15th of May 2026.
Leaving things too late only increases stress and can mean missed deductions.
Plus, if you’re due a refund, why wait longer than you need to?
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A little preparation before your tax appointment can make a big difference.
It helps ensure your return is more accurate and that all eligible deductions are claimed.
For businesses, it provides a clearer snapshot of your financial health, making it easier to plan for financial growth.
If you're unsure where to start, we are here to guide you through every step.
Contact the team at DS Financial Partners to help streamline your tax and make the process as stress-free as possible.