Frequently Asked Questions

 You’ll find us on the upper level of Fenning Arcade, Suite 19, 12–18 Orient Street, Batemans Bay NSW 2536.

Fenning Arcade is next to the cinema arcade. Look for Cignall at one entrance, or the hearing shop and Cartridge World at the other end.

If you have trouble finding us, call 02 4472 4222 and our team will be happy to guide you.

Absolutely! We welcome clients from across Australia. Through phone calls, email and cloud-based accounting software, we can manage your tax and accounting needs without requiring you to visit our office.

Shannon continues to work with many clients on the Central Coast, where he originally comes from. Wherever you’re located, you can expect the same personalised service, clear communication and attention to your circumstances.

We primarily work with Xero for business accounting and BGL Simple Fund 360 for self-managed super funds (SMSFs).

As Xero Advisors, we can assist with setting up your account, getting started and answering questions about using Xero for your business.

We also understand that every business has different needs and preferences. You’re welcome to speak with us about your existing software or other options you’re considering. We’re happy to work with suitable alternatives and help you find an approach that suits your business.

 To arrange an appointment, call our office on 02 4472 4222 or email reception@ashtongarland.com.au. Our team will help you find a suitable time and let you know what information to bring or send through beforehand.

Alternatively, you can use our website to submit an enquiry, complete an engagement form or upload your tax information. If you’d like an appointment, please mention this in your enquiry and we’ll contact you to confirm a time.

We provide a broad range of accounting, tax and advisory services for individuals, businesses and self-managed super funds, including:

• Tax returns for individuals, sole traders, companies, trusts and partnerships.
• Business compliance, including financial statements, Business Activity Statements (BAS) and Instalment Activity Statements (IAS).
• Self-managed super fund (SMSF) accounting, including financial statements and annual returns.
• Bookkeeping and accounting software setup to help keep your records organised.
• Business and entity setups, with guidance on a structure suited to your circumstances.
• Tax planning and business advice tailored to your needs and goals.

Whether you need help with a straightforward tax return or ongoing support for your business, we’re happy to discuss how we can assist.

We do not currently provide audit services.

Absolutely! Whether you’re based locally, live outside the area or simply prefer the convenience of remote service, we can assist you by phone and email.

We regularly manage clients’ tax and accounting matters remotely, including collecting documents, discussing their circumstances and arranging electronic signatures. Any required identity checks can also be arranged remotely.

You’ll receive the same personalised service and attention wherever you’re located. Simply contact our team or complete our online engagement form to get started.

Absolutely! You’re welcome to drop into our office during business hours, meet the team and have a chat about how we can help. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and see whether we’re the right fit for your personal or business accounting needs.

We have printed engagement forms available at reception if you’d like to get started. If your enquiry requires a longer discussion, we can arrange an appointment so we have enough time to give it the attention it deserves.

We offer several payment options to suit your circumstances:

• Fee from refund: We can arrange for your tax refund to be received into our trust account, deduct our accounting fees and transfer the remaining balance to you.
• Upfront payment: We accept cash and EFTPOS.
• Payment on account: We offer invoices with payment due within 14 days of the invoice date.

We also understand that financial hardship can make it difficult to catch up on overdue tax returns, particularly when you’re facing pressure from the ATO. If you’re concerned about payment, please speak with us before we begin. We’re happy to discuss your circumstances and explore a manageable payment arrangement.

Our basic individual tax returns currently start at $230 including GST. As a general guide, published fees for straightforward individual returns at comparable regional firms commonly fall between $200 and $300 including GST, placing our starting fee comfortably within that range.

When comparing prices, it’s helpful to check what each fee includes. Rental properties, business income, capital gains and more complex deductions can involve additional work and increase the final cost.

As a smaller, locally owned firm, we keep our overheads low, which helps us offer competitive pricing while providing personalised service and careful attention to your circumstances. We take pride in delivering quality work, practical advice and value for money.

We welcome questions about fees and encourage you to request an estimate before engaging us. For business services or more complex personal tax matters, we may need to review your records and understand the scope of work before providing a realistic estimate.

Our fees are reviewed annually, and we aim to communicate clearly about costs so you can make an informed decision.