Why It Matters to Use a Registered BAS Agent (And How to Check If Yours Is)
When you're running a business, it’s easy to hand over your books to someone who seems capable and call it a day. But when it comes to your BAS and anything involving the ATO, who you work with really does matter.
Only registered BAS agents are legally allowed to provide certain services, and using someone who isn’t registered could expose your business to serious risk.
So what does “registered” actually mean, and how do you know if your bookkeeper is ticking the right boxes?
What is a Registered BAS Agent?
A registered BAS agent is someone who is authorised by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) to provide specific tax and BAS services for a fee. This includes things like:
Preparing and lodging your BAS
GST and PAYG obligations
Payroll and superannuation reporting
Liaising with the ATO on your behalf
To become registered, a BAS agent must meet strict education and experience requirements, follow a professional code of conduct, and hold professional indemnity insurance.
Why Registration Matters
The TPB has launched a national awareness campaign to help business owners understand the importance of working with registered professionals.
Choosing a registered BAS agent gives you:
Compliance – They're legally allowed to provide BAS services. Unregistered providers aren’t.
Protection – They must carry professional indemnity insurance.
Accountability – They’re bound by a strict code of conduct around honesty, competence, and confidentiality.
Confidence – You know they’ve met minimum standards and ongoing education requirements.
In short, it’s about protecting your business while making sure your financials are handled properly.
How to Check If Your Bookkeeper Is Registered
It’s easy. Just search the TPB register here:
https://www.tpb.gov.au/public-register
You can search by name or business name, and you’ll instantly see if someone is officially recognised. You can also keep an eye out for the TPB’s registered practitioner symbol, which many qualified BAS agents include it on their website or emails.
If your bookkeeper isn’t registered and they’re offering BAS services, that’s a red flag. They may not be acting maliciously, but they’re still operating outside the law and you could be the one left dealing with the fallout.
So, Who Should You Work With?
The safest choice is to partner with someone who’s not just experienced, but officially registered. At Masttocs Bookkeeping Services, we're proud to be registered BAS agents, meaning we meet the compliance, ethical, and insurance requirements set by the TPB. Whether you’re managing payroll, lodging BAS, or just trying to stay ATO-compliant without the stress, you’re in safe hands.
If you’re not sure whether your current provider is registered, it’s worth checking. And if you need support from someone who is, we’re here to help.