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BAS agent vs accountant vs tax agent: who do you need?
Bookkeeper, BAS agent, accountant, tax agent: the titles blur together. The legal line is simple. Anyone charging for tax services must be registered with the Tax Practitioners Board, and the type of registration decides what they can do.
BAS agents
A registered BAS agent can prepare and lodge your BAS, handle GST, PAYG withholding and payroll (including Single Touch Payroll), lodge your taxable payments annual report, advise on fuel tax credits, deal with the ATO about those matters, and help with payment plans on BAS debts.
A BAS agent cannot prepare or lodge income tax returns or give income tax advice.
Tax agents
A registered tax agent can do everything a BAS agent can (unless their registration has conditions) plus income tax returns, tax planning and representing you with the ATO on income tax.
"Accountant"
Accountant is a broad title, not a registration. What matters for tax work is TPB registration. Check anyone on the TPB public register.
Which do you need?
- Bookkeeping, BAS and payroll only: a BAS agent can cover it.
- Company or trust returns, tax planning, structure: a tax agent.
- Cash flow, budgets and decisions: an adviser or fractional CFO, see CFO vs bookkeeper vs accountant.
Need BAS help now? See BAS and GST help in Brisbane.
Quick answers
Can a BAS agent lodge my tax return?
No. Only a registered tax agent can prepare and lodge income tax returns for a fee.
How do I check if someone is a registered BAS or tax agent?
Search the Tax Practitioners Board public register at tpb.gov.au.
Sources
General information only. This article does not take into account your circumstances and is not tax, legal or financial advice. Rates and rules change; check the sources above and get advice for your business before acting.
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