Berwick Taxation Services - Berwick, Victoria

David D. G.

I have been using Berwick Tax services on and off for a few years now and everything seemed ok until this last financial year where things took a turn for the worse.

After receiving back payments from a former employer I wanted to get the what I thought would be helpful tax advice on what to do and what tax implications I would be facing with the back payments.

Since we were a few months out from the end of the financial year I figured I'd ask if there would be any consequences in taking the money the current financial year or the next financial year and I was advised there wouldn't be any difference. This is where the problem lay since the agent didn't advise on the fact that there would be an interest lump sum payment for the whole back payment. The agent didn't query on my work situation and as casual worker I could have altered my working hours to accommodate the sudden increase in income to minimize my tax and also scored some extra time off in the process.

The agent seemed dismissive at times through the process especially on a later phone call that I had while my wife was on the call with me. My wife was clearly upset and was voicing her concerns however the agent just brushed her aside which was very offensive to the both of us.

I decided to later go to another agent with exactly the same information as I had provided the Berwick Tax agent to see what they would say. I did not reveal any specifics and just asked the exact same question of the other agent to to see if they would advise me in the same manner as the Berwick Tax agent. To my surprise they provided a different perspective on how I could have handled the back payment and acknowledged when I took the payment would indeed affect my income significantly since the interest lump sum component of the payment would be an issue.

The process with the Berwick Tax agent just seemed as though I was just another $300 billable client and just felt as though I was shuffled along. I would not recommend using this agent. I now have a huge tax bill and have to work harder to make up for a bill of several thousands of dollars!! Needless to say I am not happy.

Daniel O.

I have been dealing with Mark and his team at Berwick Taxation Services for a number of years. They provide an outstanding service- they give excellent advice, they are diligent in responding to emails and/or phone calls and they are very thorough when it comes to all matters tax. I strongly recommend employing their services.

Mason L.

Kerry and her team are extremely professional and helpful, they help to get the best out of your tax return. they have a free Berwick app that is really easy too use to assist you through the process! Thanks Guys!

Vanessa D. G.

WISHED I HAD STAYED AWAY FROM HERE

STAY AWAY FROM HERE

If could go back in time! I hope you don’t make the same mistake as us. We went to the accountant here with all of information and paperwork and paid for advice. We wanted to know what the tax implications and advice were and how to proceed.

The accountant said everything would be fine and to proceed. We specifically asked if it made a difference as to which tax year we executed our plan. It was close to end of the tax year and we could have delayed our plans by two months and rolled everything into the new tax year. The accountant said it didn’t matter. We proceeded based on their advice. Well, when we go to file the taxes and told we could have a potential tax bill in the tens of thousands! We asked the accountant why this is happening and then they started giving excuse after excuse as to why they failed to give us proper advice. The first excuse was that they couldn’t have known this would happen. They claimed they would have needed a crystal ball to have to have given us advice. But when I pointed out that we had given them all of the information and they could warned us, they then said we couldn’t get that level advice for the fee we paid. Then I asked why didn’t they tell us we needed to pay more for additional advice. Then the accountant refused to speak with me anymore and asked to only speak with my husband, who was also on the call. I didn’t realize that we time traveled back to the 50’s where women are ignored when it comes to financial matters and only the husband matters. So, add rude to the list of failures of the accountant.

Was this accountant right and not just failed at their responsibility? Well, we went to another accountant and gave them the exact same information that we gave the first accountant. We sat there with our mouths open as this competent accountant began explaining options and making recommendations. The new accountant was discussing things the Berwick accountant NEVER mentioned. Had we gone to this competent accountant we could have saved ourselves thousands of dollars. I looked around the accountant office for the crystal ball and there wasn’t any. I guess you only need skill and knowledge to do your job, not a crystal ball.

Well, it got worse as we sat in the accountant’s office after they finished, we told them what happened and they asked, “why would an accountant tell you that?!” The new accountant then began to give us options of how to proceed, which the Berwick accountant never offered. We even paid the new accountant a third of what we paid the Berwick Taxation accountant.

I am writing this review so no one else had to go through what we went through. We paid for bad advice and then was treated poorly and given a bunch of excuses. I even expect more excuses in response to this honest review. We learned a hard lesson that has cost us dearly, we hope you avoid our mistake of choosing Berwick Taxation.

Mel N.

We have been using these accountants since they became Berwick Tax Services. They always respond to my questions quickly, are very knowledgeable on what needs to be done and when. Always go above and beyond when I need anything from them. Highly recommend.

Cait B.

Kerry is amazing! Such a hard working and driven individual who really takes pride in her work and tasks. She makes you feel welcomed and helps you understand everything there is to know!

Leigh

Avoid. The accountant I saw had absolutely no idea about what my job entails yet thought it perfectly OK to tell me exactly what I did each day. Gave a very unwelcoming vibe and got the feeling she just wanted to hurry me up and get me out. Do not waste your time or money on this joke of an accountant

Craig B.

The team at Berwick Tax provided a hassle-free experience. They not only offer a great service but are helpful in presenting expert advice.