Safe Harbour:
When lodging BAS on your own, you can easily make mistakes which can incur fines from the ATO. However, a BAS agent is covered by the Safe Harbour laws, which adds an extra level of protection for you. For example if you fail to lodge a document on time or there is an error in your statement resulting in a shortfall of tax you may be protected by administrative penalties imposed by the ATO if you’re going through a BAS Agent..
More time to Lodge:
Additionally, when you lodge BAS on your own, you must pay by the due date. Under the BAS lodgement program, an Agent gets extra time to lodge which means you do too!
Code of Conduct:
You have confidence knowing that you’re working with someone who is knowledgeable, professional, honest and confidential. Registered BAS Agents are bound by a code of conduct and must always reflect these attributes . In any case the Agent breaches the code, you can report it to the Tax Practitioners Board.
Qualifications and Ongoing Study:
There are a number of minimum qualifications that need to be met in order to become registered. This includes: 1400 hours experience, at least a Cert IV in bookkeeping, PI insurance, be apart of a professional membership and partake in 45 hours worth of study every 3 years in order to stay registered. These requirements enforced by the law ensures the Agent is knowledgeable on new updates to GST and tax laws, industry changes and complex topics so you don’t need to be!
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