Taxpayer & Tax Agent Obligations

  1. Overview

As a taxpayer, it is important you:

  • are aware of your obligations to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO);
  • understand your tax agent has obligations to the ATO and the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB).
  1. Your obligations
  • Be truthful with the information you provide to us.
  • Keep the required records and provide them to us on a timely basis.
  • Be co-operative with our requests and meet our due dates.
  1. If you do not meet your obligations
  • The ATO may impose administrative penalties (fines).
  • Interest charges may be applied.
  • In some cases, criminal prosecutions may be sought.
  • The ATO may initiate debt recovery.
  1. Our obligations
  • Always act honestly and with integrity.
  • Act lawfully in your best interests and advise you of any conflicts of interest.
  • Take reasonable care to ascertain your state of affairs.
  • Take reasonable care to apply the tax laws correctly.
  • Provide our tax agent services competently.
  • Not knowingly obstruct the administration of the taxation laws.
  • Advise you of your rights and obligations under the taxation laws on a timely basis and return funds due to you.
  • Not make false or misleading statements to the ATO.
  1. If we do not meet our obligations
  • Our registration can be suspended or terminated, meaning we can’t practice.
  • We could receive written cautions or orders from the TPB – for example, undertaking education or working under the supervision of another registered tax agent.
  • Imposition of fines by the Federal Court.
  1. Other Important Information for Existing and Prospective Clients 

As an existing or prospective client, it important to be aware of the following:

  • if you wish to make a complaint about a service provided, at first instance please contact your Principal servicing your work, or alternatively ask to speak to the Risk Management Principal at reception;
  • should you not be satisfied with the resolution presented by us, you can make a complaint to the TPB through the TPB complaints process here;
  • you can access and search the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) Register to verify the registration details of Tax and BAS agents here.