WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BAS AGENT & A BOOKKEEPER?

Written By sue kapperer

Anyone can call themselves a bookkeeper and go into business, whether they have the required skills and knowledge or not. A BAS Agent on the other hand must have qualifications and a minimum of 1000 hours of experience in the previous four, years before they become registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB).

Whereas contract bookkeeper is only allowed to do data processing, process payments, prepare bank reconciliations and provide generic reports unless working under the supervision of a Tax Agent/BAS Agent or accountant.

WHAT A BAS AGENT DOES

A Registered BAS Agent, is able to represent, advise, or assist their client with many things a bookkeeper is not allowed to do. These include Goods & Services Tax (GST), Wine Equalisation Tax (WET), Fuel Tax Credits (FTC), Luxury Car Taxes (LCT), Fringe Benefit Taxes (FBT), aspects of payroll relating to Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding and Superannuation, and representation with the ATO subject to client authority.

CHOOSING A BAS AGENT OVER A BOOKKEEPER

This is why it is imperative you choose a BAS Agent over a Bookkeeper to manage your business finances. The cost should be higher as a BAS Agent has considerably more qualifications and costs as listed below:

  • Registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB)

  • Qualified (minimum Cert IV) Financial Services in Bookkeeping or Accounting

  • Insured

  • Member of at least one Professional Association

BAS Agents must act under a Code of Conduct, meet minimum registration requirements and maintain continuing professional education of at least 90 hours over a three year period.

 If you would like to check and see if a BAS Agent is registered, please refer to the Tax Practitioners Board website using this link https://myprofile.tpb.gov.au/public-register/

 Anyone can call themselves a bookkeeper, but only a fully licensed and registered professional can be a BAS Agent. A BAS Agent is qualified to provide expert assistance with BAS services.

WORKING WITH A BAS AGENT

If you're ready to work with a professional BAS Agent, reach out to Sue Kapperer to discuss how working with payroll on demand bookkeeping services can benefit your business. 

sue kapperer