How to Check if My Accountant Is Filing My Taxes Correctly

Handing over your tax return to an accountant should give you peace of mind—not second thoughts. But what if you're unsure whether your accountant filed your taxes correctly and completely?

Tax mistakes can lead to missed refunds, ATO audits, or even penalties. In this blog, we’ll show you how to verify that your taxes are being handled properly—and what sets a trusted CPA in Tahmoor like Choice Accountants apart from the rest.

Why It’s Important to Double-Check Your Tax Return
Even though your accountant is a professional, mistakes can happen due to:

• Miscommunication
• Missing documents
• Complex income sources
• Outdated or incorrect tax knowledge

As a taxpayer, you are still responsible for your tax return, even if it's lodged by your accountant. That’s why it’s important to review and understand what’s being submitted on your behalf.

7 Ways to Check if Your Accountant Is Filing Your Taxes Correctly

1. Review the Draft Return Before Lodgment
A reliable accountant will always provide a copy of your tax return for review before submitting it to the ATO. Take time to:

• Verify income sources
• Check deductions and offsets claimed
• Ensure bank and TFN details are correct
• Clarify anything you don’t understand

At Choice Accountants, we never lodge without client approval.

2. Compare with ATO Pre-fill Data
Ask your accountant if they’ve cross-checked your return with ATO pre-fill data, which includes:

• Income from employers (PAYG)
• Bank interest
• Government payments
• Private health cover

This reduces errors and omissions.

3. Check the Lodgment Receipt
Once lodged, the accountant should provide you with an ATO lodgment receipt or confirmation number. This document proves:

• The return was submitted
• When it was lodged
• Under whose agent registration it was filed

This is essential for your records and peace of mind.

4. Ensure They’re a Registered Tax Agent
Make sure your accountant is registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). You can check their registration number on the TPB website.
Choice Accountants is a fully registered tax agent with the TPB.

Learn more about our expert tax return services.

5. Ask for a Clear Explanation of Your Refund or Tax Bill
A good accountant will clearly explain:

• Why you are getting a refund or owing tax
• Which deductions or offsets contributed
• How your income was calculated

If you're confused by the numbers, ask questions—you have the right to understand your return.

6. Look for Red Flags
Watch out for these warning signs:

• The accountant rushes the process
• Doesn’t request your financial documents
• Guarantees a huge refund without explanation
• Won’t share a copy of the return
• Is evasive when asked questions

These are signs your taxes may not be handled properly.

7. Monitor ATO Communications
After lodgment, the ATO may send you:

• A Notice of Assessment
• A refund deposit
• Requests for clarification

Compare these with what your accountant told you. If there’s a mismatch, follow up quickly.

What to Do if You Suspect an Error
If you think your return wasn’t lodged properly:

• Contact your accountant immediately
• Request a full copy of the lodged return
• Check your MyGov account for lodgment records
• Consider a second opinion or amendment filing
• Report serious misconduct to the TPB

We offer second opinion consultations at Choice Accountants—book a session if you're unsure about your current return.

How Choice Accountants Ensures Accuracy and Transparency
We follow a strict quality process to ensure your return is 100% accurate:

• Review documents and cross-verify with ATO data
• Prepare draft and walk you through every section
• Lodge only with your approval
• Share official ATO confirmation and Notice of Assessment
• Keep copies of all submissions for future reference
• Offer year-round support for ATO queries

Client Story: How We Caught a $2,000 Error
A new client approached us for a review after their previous accountant had lodged their return. We found that they missed rental property deductions and depreciation, which led to a lower refund.
We amended the return, and the client received an additional $2,000 refund—money they never knew they were owed.

Conclusion:
An accountant is there to make your life easier—but you should never be left in the dark about your own tax return. By asking questions, reviewing your documents, and working with a trusted CPA in Tahmoor like Choice Accountants, you can rest assured that your taxes are filed correctly, ethically, and with your best interest in mind.

Final Thoughts
When it comes to your tax return, “trust but verify” is the best mindset. A good accountant won’t just lodge your return—they’ll walk you through it, answer your questions, and ensure you feel confident about what’s being submitted on your behalf.
If you're ever in doubt, take action early. Whether it's reviewing your return, seeking a second opinion, or switching to a more transparent accountant—your peace of mind is worth it.
At Choice Accountants in Tahmoor, we make accuracy, transparency, and client education our top priorities—so you never have to wonder if your taxes were filed the right way.

Whether you're unsure about a past lodgment or looking for a reliable tax partner moving forward, Choice Accountants is here to guide you.
Phone: +61 2 8717 2200
Email: enquiry@choice.accountants