What Is a BAS Agent?
A BAS agent is a person or firm registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) who is licensed to provide BAS services for a fee. A registered BAS agent is legally authorised to:
- Prepare and lodge Business Activity Statements (BAS)
- Prepare and lodge Instalment Activity Statements (IAS)
- Apply to the ATO for BAS-related amendments and extensions
- Advise on GST obligations and compliance
- Handle PAYG withholding lodgements
- Set up and manage payroll for Single Touch Payroll (STP) purposes
A BAS agent is not authorised to prepare or lodge income tax returns, provide advice on income tax matters, advise on capital gains tax, or represent clients in income tax disputes with the ATO.
For businesses that need BAS lodgement managed as part of a broader accounting relationship, our Bookkeeping, Reporting and Payroll service covers BAS preparation alongside your full financial records.
What Is a Tax Agent?
A registered tax agent is licensed by the TPB to provide the full range of tax services, including everything a BAS agent can do, plus income tax return preparation, tax advice, and representation before the ATO. A registered tax agent is legally authorised to:
- Prepare and lodge individual, company, trust, partnership, and SMSF tax returns
- Provide advice on income tax, capital gains tax, and fringe benefits tax
- Prepare and lodge BAS and IAS (same as a BAS agent)
- Advise on tax planning, deductions, and structuring
- Represent clients in ATO audits, disputes, and objections
- Provide advice on superannuation tax matters
- Lodge PAYG withholding and STP payroll compliance
At Verus, our Chartered Accountants are registered tax agents who handle the complete compliance picture. See our Taxation and Accounting service for the full scope.
Key Differences: BAS Agent vs Tax Agent
| Service | BAS Agent | Tax Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Registered with TPB | Yes | Yes |
| Prepare and lodge BAS | Yes | Yes |
| GST advice | Yes | Yes |
| PAYG withholding | Yes | Yes |
| Prepare income tax returns | No | Yes |
| Income tax advice | No | Yes |
| Capital gains tax advice | No | Yes |
| SMSF tax returns | No | Yes |
| ATO audit representation | No | Yes |
| Tax planning and structuring | No | Yes |
Which One Does Your Business Need?
You only need a BAS agent if: your business is simple, you handle your own income tax return, you just need someone to manage the quarterly BAS lodgement and payroll STP, or you already have a tax agent for the income tax side and just need bookkeeping support.
You need a registered tax agent if: you need your business or personal income tax return prepared and lodged, you have investment income, rental properties, or capital gains, you operate as a company, trust, partnership, or SMSF, you want advice on how to structure your business or reduce tax, or you are being audited by the ATO.
The honest answer for most small businesses: you need a tax agent. A Chartered Accountant who is a registered tax agent also acts as your BAS agent, so you do not need two separate providers. Read our Business Advisory services page to understand how we handle the full compliance picture for business clients.
Why Using an Unregistered Person Is a Serious Risk
It is illegal for anyone who is not registered with the TPB to prepare or lodge a BAS or tax return for a fee. If you use an unregistered person, the lodgement may not be legally valid, you are personally liable for any errors or penalties, the ATO will not extend lodgement deadlines, and you have no recourse if the person makes a costly mistake. You can verify anyone’s registration on the TPB’s public register at tpb.gov.au.
BAS Agent Extended Deadlines: A Key Benefit
One practical reason to use a registered agent is the extended lodgement deadlines. Clients of registered agents typically receive extended BAS deadlines and extended income tax return deadlines. For a full breakdown of BAS deadlines and how they work, read our guide on What Is a BAS and How Do You Lodge It in Australia?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BAS agent? A BAS agent is a person registered with the Tax Practitioners Board who is licensed to prepare and lodge Business Activity Statements, IAS, and handle GST and PAYG withholding compliance for a fee. They cannot prepare income tax returns or provide income tax advice.
What is the difference between a BAS agent and a tax agent? A tax agent has a broader licence. They can do everything a BAS agent can, plus prepare income tax returns, provide tax planning advice, handle capital gains tax, and represent clients in ATO disputes.
Can a BAS agent prepare my tax return? No. Preparing and lodging an income tax return is outside a BAS agent’s licence. Only a registered tax agent can do this.
Need a registered tax agent who handles the full picture? Call 02 9980 1556 or visit verusaa.com.au. 973 Pacific Hwy, Pymble NSW 2073. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
