Treasury is seeking feedback on draft legislation that would give the Tax Practitioners Board stronger regulatory powers and sanctions.

The draft legislation proposes to:

• introduce criminal penalties for unregistered tax return preparers
• increase the maximum amounts for civil penalties
• allow infringement notices for alleged breaches of some civil penalty provisions
• enable enforceable voluntary undertakings
• allow contingent and interim suspensions of registration in certain circumstances
• introduce new civil penalties for:
  • breaches of the Code of Professional Conduct by registered tax practitioners
  • false or misleading statements by unregistered preparers
• extend the maximum period before a terminated practitioner can reapply for registration from 5 years to 10 years.

The exposure draft legislation provides stakeholders with the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed amendments. 

Stakeholders are encouraged to review the exposure draft and make submissions during the consultation period, which closes on 24 April 2026.

Following passage of legislation, the TPB will undertake further consultation on administrative policies and guidance.