How it works
Switching accountants, without the drama.
Two forms, one clearance letter, and about a fortnight. You don't have to have an uncomfortable conversation, and nothing about your lodgement history is at risk.
How do you change accountants in Australia?
Four steps. You sign an engagement letter with the new firm and authorise them as your registered agent in the ATO portal; the new firm sends a professional clearance letter requesting your records and work papers; the previous accountant provides financial statements, depreciation schedules, loan and franking balances and software access; the new firm verifies opening balances and picks up compliance. It typically takes one to three weeks, and you're not obliged to give a reason to anyone.
- Typically 1–3 weeks end to end
- We send the clearance letter, not you
- Mid-year switching is normal
- Your lodgement history is unaffected
The process
What actually happens.
- 1
Free consultation
We look at your last return, your entities and what's frustrating you, then quote a fixed fee. No commitment, and if we're not the right fit we'll say so.
- 2
Engagement and authority
You sign the engagement letter and we add ourselves as your registered agent in the ATO portal — which also shows us your full lodgement and account position.
- 3
Professional clearance
We write to your previous accountant requesting records and work papers. You don't need to make the call.
- 4
Verify and reconcile
Opening balances, depreciation schedules, loan accounts, franking balance and carried-forward losses checked against the returns as lodged.
- 5
Pick up and plan
Compliance calendar set, current obligations handled, and a first planning conversation before the next 30 June.
What to bring
- Last two years of returns and financial statements
- Your accounting software login (or file)
- Trust deed or company constitution, if applicable
- Any recent ATO correspondence
- A list of what you want handled differently
Common reasons clients move
- Calls and emails going unanswered for weeks
- Returns lodged late, or at the last minute every year
- Compliance done, but never any advice
- Fees that arrive as a surprise
- Never speaking to the same person twice
- Discovering a missed deduction or structure issue
FAQ
What people worry about.
Do I have to tell my current accountant?
We send a professional clearance letter as a courtesy of the profession, which is how the handover starts. You don't need to have an awkward conversation first, and you don't need to explain your reasons. Most accountants respond professionally — it happens constantly.
Can my accountant refuse to hand over my records?
Your own source documents are yours and must be returned. Work papers prepared by the accountant may be subject to a lien where fees are genuinely outstanding, but professional obligations require reasonable cooperation with a successor. In practice, unpaid fees are the only real cause of delay — and we'll tell you if that's what's happening.
What information do you need from them?
Last two to three years of financial statements and tax returns, the depreciation and asset schedules, franking account balance, director and beneficiary loan account balances, carried-forward losses, trust deeds and resolutions, and software file access. That list is what makes the first year accurate rather than approximate.
Is mid-year a bad time to switch?
No. We pick up compliance from wherever you are, verify opening balances and carry on. Straight after a lodgement is tidiest, but we onboard clients mid-quarter regularly — including businesses that need someone urgently.
Will switching trigger an ATO audit?
No. Changing agents is a routine administrative event and doesn't attract attention by itself. What does attract attention is inconsistent lodgements or claims — which is a reason to have work reviewed, not to avoid switching.
What if my previous returns were wrong?
We'll tell you what we find and what your options are: amend (generally two years for individuals, four for many business taxpayers), voluntarily disclose, or leave it where the position is arguable. You decide with the risk stated plainly — we won't quietly perpetuate an error to avoid an awkward conversation.
Ready when you are
Ready to move?
One conversation, one form, and we handle the rest. Free 15-minute consultation.