With tax time approaching fast, the Tax Office are reminding taxpayers to be wary of unregistered preparers.
If you are planning to pay someone to help you prepare and lodge your tax return you need to check they are a registered tax agent.
If you are unsure whether they are a registered tax agent, you can ask to see their Certificate of Registration or visit the Tax Practitioners Board website www.tpb.gov.au to search the tax agent register.
If you pay someone who is not a registered tax agent to complete your return you risk having it prepared incorrectly and you could end up with a large tax bill or even face penalties. You also cannot claim a tax deduction for returns prepared by someone who is not a registered tax agent.
Safe harbour provisions
Taxpayers are further protected by “safe harbour” provisions which are administered by the ATO.
In some circumstances, if your tax agent fails to take reasonable care when preparing your return the safe harbour provisions may protect you from administrative penalties. Visit www.ato.gov.au/newregime for more information about safe harbour provisions.
More information
If you would like to report an unregistered tax agent, phone the Tax Practitioners Board on 1300 362 829 between 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
If you have any questions about lodging your tax return visit www.ato.gov.au or phone 13 28 61
Article by Christie Lewis
Christie is Practice Manager at Alan Lewis Accountants . Besides accounting, her passion is for all things small business (and blogging, of course). You can contact Christie directly at christie@lewistaxation.com.au.
Christie has written 799 awesome articles for us at Alan Lewis Accountants – BLOG
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