Every year, thousands of Australian gig workers face the same question at tax time: is it worth paying a tax agent, or should I just lodge through myTax myself?
The honest answer is that it depends on your situation; how many platforms you work across, whether you have a vehicle to depreciate, how confident you are with numbers, and how much your time is worth. This guide gives you a clear, unbiased breakdown of both options so you can make the right call for your circumstances.
What is myTax and How Does DIY Lodgement Work?
myTax is the ATO's free online tax return platform, accessible through your myGov account. For many gig workers with straightforward situations, it is a perfectly capable tool.
When you log in, myTax pre-fills information it already has: your bank interest, any PAYG summaries from employers, and some government payments. However, gig platform income is generally not pre-filled, which means you need to enter it manually. You will also need to add all your deductions yourself.
The process typically takes between one and three hours for a gig worker with a single platform and simple expenses, and longer if you have multiple income sources or complex vehicle claims.
myTax lodgement is free, and the deadline for self-lodgers is 31 October each year (ATO Deadlines Calendar for Gig Workers).
What Does a Tax Agent Do Differently?
A registered tax agent is a professional who prepares and lodges your tax return on your behalf. For gig workers, a good agent will:
Identify all deductions you are entitled to claim (including ones you may have missed)
Apply the correct method for vehicle claims (logbook vs cents per km)
Handle GST and BAS obligations if you are registered
Advise on record-keeping for future years
Lodge on your behalf with an extended deadline (often May of the following year)
Represent you if the ATO asks questions about your return
Tax agents typically charge between $150 and $400 for a gig worker return depending on complexity. Their fee is also tax deductible the following year.
The Case for DIY (myTax)
DIY lodgement makes the most sense if:
Your situation is simple: You work for one or two platforms, you use the cents-per-kilometre method for your vehicle (no logbook required), and your deductions are straightforward; phone (Phone & Data Tax Deductions for Gig Workers in Australia), a few accessories, platform fees.
You are comfortable with numbers: myTax walks you through each section, but it does not tell you what you can claim. You need to know your deductions in advance.
You have good records: If you have a Profit & Loss statement ready (generated through Accounting Samurai, for example), lodging through myTax becomes significantly easier because all your income and expense figures are already organised.
👉 Generate Your Free Profit & Loss Statement Now
You want the fastest refund: Self-lodged returns are typically processed within two weeks. Tax agent lodgements can take longer during peak season.
The Case for Using a Tax Agent
A tax agent is likely worth the cost if:
You work across multiple platforms: Combining income from Uber, DoorDash, Amazon Flex and others plus calculating the GST component adds significant complexity. An agent handles this without errors.
You have a vehicle to depreciate: The logbook method for vehicle depreciation (Car depreciation guide for rideshare drivers (Australia)) is the most valuable deduction available to rideshare and delivery drivers, but it is also the most complex. A tax agent will ensure you apply it correctly and maximise your claim.
You are registered for GST: If you are lodging quarterly BAS as well as an annual tax return, having an agent manage both is often more cost-effective than the time you spend doing it yourself.
You had a high income year: The more you earn, the more a missed deduction costs you. On $80,000 of gig income, a missed $5,000 deduction costs you around $1,650 in extra tax at the 32.5% marginal rate, far more than an agent's fee.
You are anxious about getting it wrong: Peace of mind has real value. If tax stress is affecting you, paying a professional is a reasonable investment.
👉 Common Gig Worker Tax Mistakes in Australia
You are late or missed a prior year: A tax agent can handle overdue lodgements and negotiate with the ATO on your behalf.
The Hybrid Approach: The Smartest Option for Most Gig Workers
Many experienced gig workers use a combination approach:
Use Accounting Samurai to generate a clean, ATO-ready Profit & Loss statement from your bank and card statements. This organises all your income and expenses automatically. Then either:
Lodge yourself through myTax using the P&L as your source document; confident and fast, or
Hand the P&L to a tax agent; reducing their time (and your bill) significantly because all the categorisation work is already done.
This approach gives you the accuracy of professional preparation with either the cost savings of DIY or reduced agent fees.
👉 Generate Your Free Profit & Loss Statement Now
How to Find a Registered Tax Agent in Australia
All registered tax agents in Australia must be listed on the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) register. You can search at tpb.gov.au. Look for agents who specifically mention gig workers, rideshare drivers, or self-employed contractors in their services, they will be familiar with the specific deductions and GST obligations involved.
Many tax agents now offer online services, which means you do not need to visit an office. You can share your documents digitally and have your return prepared remotely.
What if You Want to Use a Tax Agent but Cannot Afford One?
The ATO runs a Tax Help program that provides free assistance from trained volunteers for people who earn less than $60,000 and have simple tax affairs. This may be suitable for newer gig workers or those working part-time. Visit ato.gov.au/taxhelp for details.
Key Questions to Ask Yourself
Before you decide, consider these four questions:
Do I have more than two income sources this year? If yes, lean toward an agent.
Am I claiming vehicle depreciation using the logbook method? If yes, lean toward an agent.
Am I registered for GST and lodging BAS? If yes, lean toward an agent.
Do I have a Profit & Loss statement ready? If yes, DIY becomes much more viable.
There is no universal right answer but there is a right answer for your situation. If your gig work is straightforward and you have your records organised, myTax is a free, effective option. If your tax affairs are complex, your income is high, or you simply value professional certainty, a registered tax agent is likely worth every dollar.
Either way, the single most important step you can take before tax time is generating a clean Profit & Loss statement from your transactions. Accounting Samurai does this automatically from your bank statements making both DIY and agent-assisted lodgement faster, easier, and more accurate.
