What is a BAS Agent and Why Do You Need One?

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Bookkeepers are primarily employed to manage the books, but their role is quite limited compared to that of a registered BAS Agent. A registered BAS Agent can represent, advise, and assist their employer with various critical tax matters that bookkeepers are not authorized to handle. These matters include GST, wine taxes, fuel taxes, luxury car taxes, FBT payments, and all aspects of payroll related to withholding tax amounts and their reporting to the Tax office. If your business needs representation from the Tax office regarding these issues, engaging BAS Agent services is essential.

We want you to fully appreciate the value we provide as a registered BAS Agent and understand why we charge a lodgement fee for preparing and lodging your BAS.

Not to mention that we are  

✅ registered with the tax board,  

✅ qualified,  

✅ insured, and  

✅ backed by our industry association...  

Here are what we believe to be the 5 main benefits of working with us!

**Safe Harbour**  

When you lodge your own BAS, you risk facing penalties if mistakes occur or if it is submitted late. Engaging us as your BAS Agent ensures that your compliance is protected.  

https://www.tpb.gov.au/safe-harbour

**BAS Agent Lodgement Program**  

If you handle your own BAS, you must ensure timely lodgement and payment by the due date. In contrast, as your BAS Agent, we benefit from an automatic extension, giving you additional time to meet your obligations.  

https://www.ato.gov.au/tax-professionals/prepare-and-lodge/bas-agent-lodgment-program/

**Code of Conduct**  

While anyone can call themselves a bookkeeper, they are not bound by the same rules as your BAS Agent. If you ever feel we are not honest, independent, confidential, or competent, the TPB is there to support you. You can reach out to them anytime if you have concerns.  

https://www.tpb.gov.au/comply-code-professional-conduct-for-BAS-agents

**Registration Requirements**  

Becoming a registered BAS Agent requires qualifications and experience, including 1400 hours of supervised experience lodging BAS in the past four years, a minimum of a Cert IV in bookkeeping, insurance, and ongoing professional development. This minimum standard provides peace of mind for your business.  

https://www.tpb.gov.au/qualifications-and-experience-bas-agents

**Continuing Professional Education (CPE)**  

To ensure that your BAS Agent is knowledgeable, the TPB mandates that they complete 90 hours of study every three years and provide evidence of their ongoing education through relevant courses. BAS Agents invest significant time, money, and effort in seminars, webinars, workshops, courses, and other educational activities to stay updated.  

https://searchregister.tpb.gov.au/TPB/Obligations/CPE

This should clarify our contribution to your business success and provide you with the assurance that we have all bases covered.

As a business owner, if you want your contract bookkeeper to carry out BAS services, it is your responsibility to ensure they are a registered BAS Agent. If you're unsure about your current bookkeeper's registration status, please refer to the TPB website and check the register.