Message from the Chair
On the 2 and 3 February, the second Board meeting was held in Melbourne. Out of the many agenda items discussed two were recognised as priorities: to ensure that forms for registration, renewals and accreditation of professional associations are made available as soon as possible; and to provide timely information to assist the profession’s smooth transition to the new regime.
It’s important to the Board, that with the 1 March start date fast approaching, the introduction of this new regime goes smoothly. And, whilst 1 March signifies the official start date, these easy to use arrangements include time allowances that will assist with your smooth transition to becoming a registered BAS agent or Tax agent.
These transitional provisions and processes have been designed to make this as convenient as possible for you and your business. There are different types of registration and notification depending on your circumstance:
· Bookkeepers and BAS preparers - Under the new law, you need to register as a BAS agent if you provide BAS services for a fee or reward. You have six months (until 31 August) to notify the Board of your intention to register as a BAS agent. Notification forms will be available on this website from mid-February.
· Existing Tax Agents - If you are currently registered as a Tax agent, your registration will continue under the new law. No action is required until your re-registration is due. The Board will contact you with details of how to re-register.
· New Registrants - Registration forms for BAS agents and Tax agents will be available on this site from the end of February.
· Pre 1988 Tax Agents Registrants - Tax agents who registered prior to 1988 (triennials) are due to renew their registration on or before 28 February 2010 at the current (lower) fee of $200. This year the pre 1988 renewal processing includes randomly staggering the 2013 renewal date. You will be advised of your next renewal date on approval of your application.
· Nominees - The new regime removes the concept of nominees. If you are currently registered as a nominee of a tax agent, from 1 March when the new law comes into effect, you will be taken to be a registered tax agent. You will be allocated with the same re-registration date as your former host.
This website provides you with detail on how to register as BAS agent or register as a Tax agent under the new law.
From 1 March all records and registration processes will become the responsibility of the Tax Practitioners Board and all business will be conducted via this website. From the 28 February, the Tax Agents Board will cease to exist.
The past week has been yet another busy week of consultation. On 1 February, a Board Committee meeting was held to discuss professional indemnity insurance. I expect to make an announcement on this topic before 1 March. Working groups also met to discuss topics including education/qualification requirements and professional practice matters (in particular, ‘Code of Professional Conduct’ and ‘Fit and Proper’). At this stage I hope to issue papers for exposure before 1 March.
I believe that the consultation arrangements the Board has in place allow us an even better practical understanding of the profession. I genuinely look forward to these meetings and value the commitment made by the profession to work together with the Board.
Dale Boucher
Chair, Tax Practitioners Board
15 February 2010