BAS Agent vs Tax Agent: Who Does Your Business Need?

ByForthright

If you run a business in Australia, you’ll hear both terms: BAS agent and tax agent. They sound similar, and both deal with the ATO, but they are registered for different work. Knowing the difference helps you get the right help at the right time, and avoid paying for more than you need.

What is a BAS agent?

A BAS agent is registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) to provide BAS services for a fee. In practice, that covers the ongoing compliance most businesses deal with every month or quarter:

  • Preparing and lodging Business Activity Statements (BAS) and Instalment Activity Statements (IAS)
  • GST, PAYG withholding and PAYG instalments
  • Payroll, including Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting
  • Superannuation guarantee obligations
  • Taxable Payments Annual Reports (TPAR)
  • Annual GST returns
  • Dealing with the ATO on your behalf about these matters

A BAS agent typically works from your bookkeeping records, so the quality of your books and the accuracy of your BAS go hand in hand.

What is a tax agent?

A tax agent is also registered with the TPB, with a broader scope. Tax agents can provide BAS services too, but their registration also covers income tax work, including:

  • Preparing and lodging income tax returns for individuals, companies, trusts and SMSFs
  • Tax advice and planning
  • Objections and disputes with the ATO
  • Representing you in an ATO audit or review

So which one do you need?

For the day-to-day work of keeping your records accurate and your BAS lodged on time, a BAS agent is the specialist. For year-end tax returns and tax advice, you need a tax agent.

Many businesses find the best result comes from using both, working together. Your BAS agent keeps your books reconciled and your activity statements accurate all year. At year end, your tax agent receives clean, organised records, which usually means a faster, cheaper return and fewer surprises.

How to check someone is registered

Only registered agents can charge a fee for BAS or tax agent services. Before you engage anyone, search their name or registration number on the Tax Practitioners Board public register at tpb.gov.au. It takes a minute and protects you from unregistered operators.

How Forthright works

Forthright is a registered BAS agent. We handle your bookkeeping, BAS and IAS, payroll and STP, TPAR and annual GST returns. We work in collaboration with Tax Agents to complete your company, trust, SMSF and/or individual tax returns, for a smooth and complete financial compliance.

Not sure what your business needs? Book an appointment or call 0410 527 521 and we’ll talk it through.

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