Short answer: confirm the person is an ATO Registered Tax Agent, then check for CA or CPA qualifications, years of experience, and genuine English-and-Chinese service. Here are the six things to look for.
1. Are they an ATO Registered Tax Agent? (most important)
Only a tax agent registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) can legally charge to prepare and lodge your return. Every agent has a registration number you can verify free on the public register at tpb.gov.au. Unregistered "tax help" carries no professional protection.
2. Do they hold CA or CPA qualifications?
Chartered Accountant (CA) and CPA are Australia's two main professional accounting designations, signalling structured training and ongoing professional development. Osem Tax is led by Vanessa Li, CA.
3. How many years' experience, and in what?
Investment property, family trusts, foreign income and business structuring each have their own rules. Osem Tax has 20 years' experience across individual tax, small business, investment property and company structures.
4. Is the bilingual service genuine?
Explaining complex tax clearly in Chinese — and dealing with the ATO and banks in English — are two different skills. A good bilingual firm does both.
5. Is pricing transparent?
Reputable firms explain fees up front. Be wary of "guaranteed refund" claims — registered agents are bound by the TPB Code and won't promise an outcome that depends on your actual circumstances.
6. Is the location and communication convenient?
Most firms now support video, phone and e-signing. Osem Tax is in Sydney CBD at Level 1, 60 Martin Place, working remotely or in person.