BAS Agent & Bookkeeper

I studied and worked hard to become a BAS Agent, however it’s a term that’s not as widely recognised as bookkeeper.

Although I am a qualified bookkeeper (certified by the ICB), I am also a registered BAS Agent with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB).

There are no specific experience requirements or qualifications needed to be a Bookkeeper. A Bookkeeper is someone who can process, reconcile and report transactions according to an established compliance system, and do pretty much anything else they want to as long as the services are not classed as a “BAS Agent Service” or a “Tax Agent Service”.

In addition to being able to provide all the same services as a Bookkeeper, BAS Agents are also able to:

• Design, monitor, review & advise on the compliance systems and processes used by clients – around GST, and other indirect taxes on the BAS, as well as any Payroll items.

• Review transactions and reports of a business and provide knowledgeable advise and technical certainty around GST, other indirect taxes and payroll matters.

• Advise clients regarding their BAS & Payroll obligations, including any and all liabilities and entitlements.

• Represent clients in their dealings with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) with regards to any BAS provisions and Payroll matters. For example, lodging BAS, STP reporting, Tax file Number declarations and TPAR reports, organising payment plans, services relating to superannuation guarantee and applying for an Australian Business Number (ABN).

To become a BAS Agent and offer BAS Agent Services you must have a minimum of:

• A Certificate IV Financial Services in Bookkeeping and Accounting from a registered training organisation,

• A Board approved course in basic GST/BAS tax principles, and

• At least 1,400 hours of relevant experience in the past 4 years.

Once these requirements have been fulfilled and the TPB has approved BAS Agent registration status, all BAS Agents must then maintain their registrations by:

• Completing continuous education requirements,

• Maintaining Professional Indemnity Insurance, and

• Complying with the Code of Professional Conduct

Is your bookkeeper a registered BAS Agent?

As a business owner it is important to understand the difference and know if your bookkeeper is registered or not. Bookkeepers who are not registered BAS Agents will find themselves very limited with the work they can complete unless they are an employee of the business.