Effective from 1 March 2010, Tax and Business Activity Statement (BAS) agents must be registered under the new Tax Agent Services Act 2009.
I use a Tax or BAS agent
If you are paying someone to do your BAS, you need to make sure they are registered under the new Act.
The new Act includes a Code of Professional Conduct which aims to ensure services provided to you by registered agents, meet appropriate ethical and professional standards.
You will also be protected by safe harbour provisions which may guard you from ‘failure to lodge on time’ penalties.
I provide BAS services
If you provide BAS services as part of your business for a fee or other reward, you must register with the Tax Practitioners Board (the Board).
BAS service providers have until 31 August 2010 to:
- notify the Board they are accessing transitional provisions, or
- register with the Board as BAS agents.
For more information on the new registration requirements, visit the ATO or Tax Practitioners Board websites.
