Message from the Chair

The recent implementation of the Tax Agent Services Act on 1 March 2010 has brought about a new national streamlined approach to regulating tax agent and BAS services across Australia.

The Tax Practitioners’ Board website www.tpb.gov.au is the gateway for the community, and tax and BAS professionals to access up to date information about the new regime. This website has had over 1000 visitors each day since the launch of the new regime on 1 March 2010. The easiest way to contact us is via email. To access our email address go to the ‘contact us’ page on this website. You can email any enquiries to us and we will answer them as soon as possible. Also, if you would like to receive regular email updates direct from the Tax Practitioners Board, email tpbwebsite@ato.gov.au and provide your contact information, including your email address and phone number.

Registration and notification forms for tax and BAS agents are now available online. The Board has already seen encouraging numbers of notifications and registrations submitted. Now that the Tax Agent Services regime has commenced, anyone providing tax agent or BAS services for a fee or other reward, is required by law to be registered or taken to be registered as a tax agent or BAS agent.

BAS service providers wishing to come within the system have the option of either registering as a BAS agent or simply notifying the Board using the BAS agent notification form which is available on the website. There are transitional arrangements in place to help agents enter the system for the first time. Many BAS service providers have already submitted their notification form online, with the Board receiving over 1000 forms to date.

Tax agent registration forms are also available on www.tpb.gov.au Entities wishing to register or notify as a tax agent for the first time can now do so. There are information sheets on this website that can help you determine which method of registration applies to your circumstance.
 
Tax agents who were registered under the old Tax Agent Board, will have their registration continued under the new regime. The Board will be in contact with you when it is time to renew your registration.

Now in full operation, the Board is committed to achieving a streamlined approach to its operations. The Board’s role involves administering a single Code of Professional Conduct that now applies to all tax and business activity statement (BAS) preparers and advisers. I can speak on behalf of the Board when I say that our focus is on bringing about a higher overall standard of professionalism and ethical conduct, including through compliance with the Code, which will ultimately provide consumers with greater protection.

The Board’s focus is that the registration system runs effectively. Arrangements are now in place to receive your registration. 

Dale Boucher
Chair, Tax Practitioners Board
5 March 2010