TPB expands BAS agents' services

Following consultation with external stakeholders, the Tax Agent Services (Specified BAS Services) Instrument 2016 has now been registered.

Ian Taylor, chair of the TPB, said the changes would be welcomed by the BAS agent community.

"We know there are services that are commonly provided by BAS agents that do not necessarily fall within the definition of a BAS service," he said.

"This legislative instrument now allows these to be included in the services that BAS agents can provide, without the requirement to be a registered tax agent."

Following the registration of the Instrument, BAS agents can now:

• provide services under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 to the extent that they relate to a payroll function or payments to contractors; 
• determine and report the superannuation guarantee shortfall amount and any associated administrative fees;
• deal with superannuation payments made through a clearing house; 
• complete and lodge the taxable payments annual report to the ATO on behalf of a client; 
• send a tax file number declaration to the Commissioner on behalf of a client; and
• apply to the Registrar for an ABN on behalf of a client.

The TPB regulates tax practitioners and aims to assure the community that tax practitioners meet appropriate standards of professional and ethical conduct.