Australian Association of Professional Bookkeepers -

Income tax law requirements governing bookkeepers
Unless you are a registered tax agent, then you are prevented by law* to receive a fee for preparing Business Activity Statements (BAS). However, you are exempt^†from this if you:
i. Are a member of a recognised professional association; or

ii. Working under the direction of a registered tax agent.

Bookkeepers can be fined up to $22,000 for a breach of this law. Is your bookkeeper compliant?

The majority of bookkeepers are not able to meet the first requirement and have opted to working under the direction of a registered tax agent.

To help bookkeepers understand the requirements, the ATO has released a guideline titled
'Working Under the Direction of a Tax Agent’^‡.

Unregulated bookkeepers face fines of up to $22,000!

* Section 251L of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936
^†Subsection 251L(6)
^‡ The ‘Working Under the Direction of a Tax Agent’ guidelines can be found on the ATO website