Yes: Fully Claimable
Can I Claim Professional Fees (Accountants, Lawyers) as a Business Expense in Australia?
Yes — fees paid to tax agents, accountants, lawyers and other professionals for the trade are deductible. Capital legal fees (e.g. asset acquisition) are capitalised, not deducted.
Typical claim: A$1,500–A$5,000/year for a small Pty Ltd
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What Australian Taxation Office (ATO) says
Tax agent fees are specifically deductible under s25-5 ITAA 1997, including the cost of preparing the company tax return and BAS. General legal fees are deductible if incurred in producing assessable income; fees of a capital nature are capitalised.
When you can claim
- Tax agent fees for company tax return, BAS
- Bookkeeping and payroll services
- Legal fees for ordinary trading contracts
- ASIC Annual Review fees
When you cannot claim
- Legal fees for capital matters (acquisitions, share issues) — capitalised
- Personal tax advice unrelated to the business
- Tax penalties (specifically non-deductible under s26-5)
Related expenses
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