There is no protection for taxpayers who use unregistered BAS agents or contract bookkeepers.
If you want to have someone prepare or lodge your Business Activity Statements, or to provide you with bookkeeping services, you should ensure they are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board. Only a registered BAS or Tax Agent can legally charge a fee for providing BAS services.
By using the services of an unregistered BAS agent/bookkeeper, you are taking big risks, as the person you use:
- may not have the qualifications or experience required of a registered agent
- may not have Professional Indemnity insurance cover.
Additionally, you will not be protected under the Safe Harbour provisions set out in the Taxation Administration Act 1953 (TAA), if they are negligent.
Registered BAS Agents are subject to a Code of Professional Conduct including:
- honesty and integrity
- independence
- confidentiality
- competence
- responding to requests and directions from the Tax Practitioners Board, and
- maintaining Professional Indemnity insurance.
- Setting up your online accounting software and tailoring it to your business
- Entering and coding all transactions including GST allocations
- Preparing invoices for your customers, including customised templates with your business logo
- Reconciling bank and credit card accounts
- Preparation and lodgement of Business Activity Statements
- Payroll, PAYG and superannuation contributions
- Preparation of annual payment summaries
- Preparation of financial reports on demand such as Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
Our Services
Why use a registered BAS Agent?
Blue Skies Online Bookkeeping