Many people wonder, what do accountants do? The job itself covers a wide range of tasks and roles, but for the most part, accountants are in charge of preparing and filing tax returns for individuals or for businesses.

When you go to an accountant, you are forming a working relationship with someone that gets to know you and your financial affairs. Its a good idea to go to an accountant who you trust, because they will be finding out about nearly everything to do with your money!

They will want to know just what you do to earn your income, and will query you as to what expenses you incur in getting that income. Some tips for those who are asked this, would be: Think about every expense YOU take on, either cash or non cash, and match this somehow, to deriving your income. Many people forget that little things like home office, and home storage, can be deducted against your income.

But why would you want to deduct against your income? Isnt the goal to earn as much as possible?!

Sure is! But we want the tax department to think you earn as little as possible, so they charge you less tax! Thats the crux of the accountants job. To ensure you pay as little tax as your obligated to. Within the rules of course!

So what do accountants do when they are not sure about your expenses?

Well, a good accountant will ask you alot of questions, and ask to see alot of supporting documentation about your activities, so he can establish how much expenses you should deduct.