THE BAS AGENT. The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. Volume 2: Applying the Code of Conduct. ICB Definitive Guide. August 2012

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1 The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers THE BAS AGENT Volume 2: Applying the Code of Conduct ICB Definitive Guide August 2012 Phone: web:

2 Not all bookkeepers are BAS Agents! Not all BAS agents do Bookkeeping! This guide has been updated following each relevant development of the law and systems to do with BAS Agents. This 4th Edition replaces and updates: The Definitive Guide Volume 1 - NEW BAS Agent registration 16 March, 2009 The Definitive Guide Volume 2 -The new BAS Agent Regime 3 August, 2009 The Definitive Guide Volume 3 - The BAS Agent August 2011 The law and guidance from the TPB continues to change, keep track at: Subscribe to the ICB Newsletter The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers is a: Member based Not-for-profit Professional Association of Bookkeepers for Bookkeepers The vision of ICB is to provide Bookkeepers with the co-operative forum to be the best they can be. We are about bookkeepers: Recognition, Education & Resources Bookkeepers helping Bookkeepers help Business August 2012 Not to be duplicated or re-distributed in part or in full without written permission from ICB The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers Level 27 Rialto South Tower 525 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Tel: Fax: admin@icb.org.au

3 Contents It s law: now what? 5 Explanation and Clarification 6 What is a BAS Service? 6 What is a BAS Agent allowed to do? 7 Explanation of Acceptable Business Structures In light of the TASA ICB Guidance Note - Applying the Code of Conduct 9 Section A Are you signing a statement or declaration? 10 Section B You are signing a declaration or statement 11 Section C: Did you take reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the entire document? 12 Section D You are providing a BAS Service, which may include signing a statement. 13 What extent of checking? 13 Schedule: Checklist Agree on the extent of checking 14 Section E Adhering to acceptable conduct 15 Section F false or misleading statement 17 Legislative Extracts 22 Meaning of BAS service (Sn ) 22 The Code of Professional Conduct (Sn ) 22 Honesty and integrity 22 Independence 22 Competence 21 Other responsibilities 22 Making false or misleading statements 23 Signing of declarations etc. 23 Understanding the TASA 2009 code of conduct (ICB comment) 24 Reasonable Care 26 Whether you are a BAS Agent or not 26 Inheriting Messy files 26 The interesting accountant 27 The interesting client 27 The ATO 27 ICB Checklist 30 Applying the code to a specific client 30 Section A Are you signing a statement or declaration? 31 Section B Who prepared the statement? 31 Section C: Did you take reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the entire document? 31 Section D What extent of checking? 32 Section E Applying the code (in addition to that implied above) 32 Section F false or misleading Statement 33 Review of Bookkeepers ability to service a client in accordance with Professional Standards and Code of Conduct 35

4 Contents (cont.) Authority for BAS Agent to act on behalf of the Taxpayer in respect to the taxpayers dealings with the Australian Taxation Office 37 Authority to Lodge Electronically 38 Declaration for an Activity Statement being lodged by the BAS Agent 39 What records do I keep to show that I have authority to lodge a client s activity statement? 40 Authority to Lodge Payment Summary (EMPDUPE) Electronically 41 Payment Summary (EMPDUPE) Details 42 What records do I have to keep to show that I have authority to lodge on a client s behalf? 43 External Agent Engagement Agreement 45 Engagement Agreed to by Client 47 Contractual Agreement 48 Additional Requirements from the TPB 50 Benefits of ICB Membership 51

5 It s law: now what? Only registered BAS Agents may provide BAS Services for a fee or reward. For a fee means the law does not apply to employees of the business whose BAS is being considered or the business owners themselves. This law only applies to contract bookkeepers etc. Therefore people or entities providing service to clients that fall within the definition of a BAS Service must have registered BAS Agents working with them. An Individual must either be, or be supervised by, a registered BAS Agent (or tax agent). Entities must have a sufficient number of BAS Agents involved in its supervision, systems and review. Employees of an entity who provide BAS Services to clients where that entity/business is providing the BAS Services to the client must either be BAS Agents themselves or supervised by BAS Agents. Guidance note produced by Page 5

6 What is a BAS Service? Sn Meaning of BAS service (1) A BAS service is a *tax agent service: (a) that relates to: (i) ascertaining the liabilities, obligations or entitlements of an entity that arise, or could arise, under a *BAS provision; or (ii) advising an entity about the liabilities, obligations or entitlements of the entity or another entity that arise, or could arise, under a BAS provision; or (iii) representing an entity in their dealings with the Commissioner in relation to a BAS provision; and (b) that is provided in circumstances where the entity can reasonably be expected to rely on the service for either or both of the following purposes: (i) to satisfy liabilities or obligations that arise, or could arise, under a BAS provision; (ii) to claim entitlements that arise, or could arise, under a BAS provision.. (2) A service specified in the regulations for the purposes of this subsection is not a BAS service. BAS Provisions can be understood to be completion of the payable amount boxes on the BAS. GST amount collected or paid FBT Instalment amount or credit claim WET payable or refundable amounts Luxury Car Tax amounts Fuel Tax Credit amounts PAYG Withholding amount payable PAYG Instalments amount payable Explanation and Clarification Classroom or onsite training general training on the use of software is NOT a BAS Service general training around how GST works or is reported in the software is NOT a BAS service Install and configure software general software / bookkeeping / accounting configuration No specifically determining what GST codes apply when Yes advising on legal compliance of the business tax invoice Yes configuring how a BAS like report is to be produced Yes implementing a default GST code list provided by a registered Agent to the business No If the client is relying on this install and configuration service to help that client ascertain their future GST/BAS obligations then it is a BAS Service. Bookkeeping following instructions No transfer data onto a computer program - No enter data No code transactions (based on instructions) No process payments No prepare bank reconciliations - No Page 6 Guidance note produced by

7 Advanced Bookkeeping If the client is relying on another registered BAS/Tax agent No otherwise preparing an approved form Yes lodging an approved form Yes giving advice about a BAS provision Yes transacting with the ATO on behalf of a client Yes Anything and everything where work is reviewed by another registered BAS agent No Reconciling facets of the accounting records for a period No Providing generic reports No Preparing a report that is used to prepare the BAS Yes What is a BAS Agent allowed to do? A BAS Agent is issued a licence that says they can: Advise a client, provide certainty to a client or represent that client to the tax office in relation to: All GST matters Wine Tax, Fuel Tax, Luxury Car Tax matters Payment of FBT All aspects of Payroll that relate to the withholding of tax amounts and the reporting of that amount to the employee and the Tax office All aspects of other PAYG Withholding amounts: ie no ABN, Interest & Dividend All aspects of the payment of income tax via PAYG Instalments A Tax Agent can also do these and then other areas of tax also. What does this mean? A registered Agent may: Design and set up compliance systems Advise the client on how the above areas of law affect them Review a client s operations in relation to these areas of law and provide certainty to that client that they are getting it right. These tasks cannot be done by a bookkeeper who is not a registered Agent. So, what can a Bookkeeper do who is not a BAS Agent? They can follow systems designed by others They can process They can reconcile and produce results but not if the client is relying on those, without further action to be certain that they are meeting their obligations They should raise questions and not answer them A BAS Agent can be a business with one or more qualified persons (registered BAS Agent/s) and others working, performing BAS Services, being supervised and controlled by the qualified person. This is legal! Guidance note produced by Page 7

8 Explanation of Acceptable Business Structures In light of the TASA2009 AN INDIVIDUAL May only provide BAS Services to a client if: a. they are an employee/owner/director of the entity for whom they are providing the service or b. they are registered in their own right as a Registered Agent with the TPB. or c. they are engaged by a person who is a Registered Agent to provide services to that persons clients, where that person has supervision and control over the individual or d. they are engaged by an entity (through contract or employment) where that entity has another Registered Individual who is providing the satisfactory supervisory services of all work performed by/for the entity A PARTNERSHIP May only provide BAS Services to a client if: a. they have engaged another registered entity or person to provide the satisfactory supervision of all BAS Service work performed by the partnership A COMPANY (including a trust) May only provide BAS Services to a client if: a. they have engaged another registered entity or person to provide the satisfactory supervision of all BAS Service work performed by the company. A NON REGISTERED INDIVIDUAL/ENTITY provides BAS SERVICES by contracting another agent to supervise. Many bookkeepers will seek to continue to provide bookkeeping services and assist in provision of BAS Services to their clients. They may only assist in the provision of the BAS Service to their clients IF the client has also engaged a Registered Agent to ultimately provide the BAS Service, thereby taking supervision of the work performed by the bookkeeper. The bookkeeper will not perform the BAS Services other than as directed by the agent whom is being relied on by the client. The nature of this tri-party agreement is that the client is relying on the agent and not the bookkeeper for the provision of the BAS Services. The agent may be utilising the bookkeeper to perform some of the work but under the agents supervision and responsibility. Resources available for to support this article (go to Information): Engaging an External Agent (page 43) Client Engagement Letter (page 45) Contractor Agreement (page 46) Page 8 Guidance note produced by

9 ICB Guidance Note What process should the BAS Agent follow to ensure compliance with the code of conduct and the civil penalty provisions? (P10) (P11) (P13) (P12) (P15) (P19) Guidance note produced by Page 9

10 What process should the BAS Agent follow to ensure compliance with the code of conduct & the civil penalty provisions? A detailed checklist of processes and thoughts to determine how you are permitted to engage with a client: (Summary checklist provided on page 31) Maybe a BAS Agent is engaged to do the final work on lodging a BAS but is asked/ told to rely on a report provided to them by internal staff (for at least part of the BAS related information). Section A Are you signing a statement or declaration? (P13) A1 Are you signing a declaration or statement in relation to the taxpayer? Signing a Declartion or Statement applies in the context of a BAS Agent when that agent is elctronically lodging through the ATO Portal or other mechanism, expecially if using your AUSkey (Electronic Signature) If an agent was to be physically signing a form on behals/as an authorised contact etc. of a client (not recommended by ICB) this would definately be included. If you are providing tax forms to the client for signing, after signing to them that the forms are correct then this set of requirements may apply but in any case the requirements of the code in Section D would apply. A2 Is the statement required or permitted by a BAS Provision? BAS Provisions Collection & Payment of FBT GST tax law Wine tax law Luxury Car tax law Fuel tax law PAYG withholding & instalment If no to either question then move to Section D (extent of the work). If yes to both then Section B (signing a statement) first Page 10 Guidance note produced by

11 Yes, I am signing a statement SECTION B You are signing a declaration or statement in relation to the taxpayer required by a BAS Provision. B1: Did you prepare the statement? If the answer to B1 is YES then you are permitted to sign subject to the section below Section E (adhering to acceptable conduct) Or B2: Did another Tax Agent or BAS Agent prepare the statement? If the answer to B2 is YES then you are permitted to sign as you are able to assume that agent also complies with their legal obligations under the TASA2009. Therefore prove that the work was provided by that other agent. (Template letter for obtaining work from another agent available at Or B3: Did another person who is working under the supervision and control of yourself (or another agent) prepare the statement? If the person worked for another agent then it is likely you can just refer to B2 above, however it may be wise to still apply these supervision and control tests. Supervision and Control: Are you satisfied that it has been prepared following the steps you require and to the standard you require, the way you require? Have you actually checked? Supervision & Control Did you supervise the process followed? & Did you review the work performed? & Do you have documents, procedure notes &/or checklists that were followed to prove the review and the supervision? Therefore.. Has the statement been prepared as if you had done it? (If your answer to all these supervision & control questions is yes then the answer to B3 is YES) If the answer to B3 is YES then move to Section E (adhering to acceptable conduct). If the answer to all of B1, B2 & B3 is No then you may still be able to sign it if you can demonstrate you took reasonable steps (Section C) Guidance note produced by Page 11

12 If B1, B2 & B3 = NO! -> then take reasonable steps Section C - Did you take reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the entire document? (this applies when you are signing a statement that did not comply with Section B) Reasonable Steps: The taking of reasonable steps could be deomanstrated by evidence that the agent reviewed the document before signing it or by evidence of appropriate alternative review or monitoring arrangments (Explanatory Memorandum). You may still be able to sign the statement if you can demonstrate you took reasonable steps to review the statement: Are you satisfied the preparer understands the requirements of how to comply? Are you satisfied that the preparer complied with legal requirements? Have you checked any area of the BAS where there is a risk of a material mistake? What steps do you need to take to satisfy yourself to a reasonable extent that the statement is correct? Did you review the process that was followed? & Did you review the work performed? & Do you have documents, procedure notes &/or checklists that were followed to prove the review and any alterations required? What extent of work does the client require you to take? (Section D) If the client limits your scope of work such that you cannot take reasonable steps to verity that accuracy of the statement then you cannot sign the statement however you may be able to advise the client on the aspects of the statement (Section D) If the answer is YES you did take reasonable steps then move to Section E (adhering to acceptable conduct) If the answer is No then either i. Do not sign the declaration or statement, & ii. Advise the client to the extent that you are able to advise refer section D. or iii. Do what is necessary to take Reasonable Steps to ensure the accuracy of the document Page 12 Guidance note produced by

13 I am providing a BAS Service SECTION D You are providing a BAS Service, which may include signing a statement. What extent of checking? Am I being provided with information that I am to rely on, as being correct? No because I have to make sure it is correct, or No because I am doing the work, or Yes because the client has said I am to rely on that information. In all cases the requirements of the code must be applied which includes providing information as follows. Advise the preparer/business of their compliance obligations and ensure that they have an understanding of the law and each of the requirements to comply with that law to the extent required? Yes/No Provided Areas: Tax invoice obligations on all purchases Taxable purpose for all claims for Input Tax Credits Charging GST on all taxable supplies PAYG Withholding obligations PAYG Instalment Application of WET / FTC / LCT What level of checking does the client require me to do? I do it all: Still provide notices of their obligations & refer to section E None: Advise them of each area of their obligations (as above) & Confirm in writing that you are not engaged to check or confirm their compliance. Refer template client doesn t require checking & Refer Section E. 10/10 reliance on the business Ensure it is correct: 0/10 reliance on the business. Advise them of each area of their obligations (as above) & Confirm in writing the level of checking (see below) & Perform work refer section E Process required: Confirm in writing that you are engaged to check or confirm their compliance. Provide cost estimates upfront and then revise frequently. Receive further consent from the client at each step or revision of cost or services.perform work in accordance with conduct required (Refer section E) Guidance note produced by Page 13

14 D: Schedule: Checklist to Agree on the extent of checking 0 = Total reliance on you 10 = Total reliance on the business systems 1/ Tax Invoices (purchases) ( not required/not applicable) Every Tax Invoice System checks that total reliance on to be reviewed vs tax invoices are correct vs the business has the (incl. you do the process) and being retained systems/checking in place / Purchases for taxable purpose ( not required/not applicable) Every Tax Invoice to be System checks that total reliance that reviewed for purpose vs taxable purpose is vs the business has the (incl. you do the process) being checked systems/checking in place / Charging of GST on all Taxable Supplies ( not required/not applicable) Every product and System checks that total reliance on Service to be reviewed vs charging of GST is vs the business has the continually being applied correctly systems/checking in place / PAYG Withholding set up correctly ( not required/not applicable) Every employee pay System checks that total reliance on arrangement to be vs PAYG Withholding is vs the business has the reviewed being setup correctly systems/checking in place / PAYG Withholding applied correctly ( not required/not applicable) Every payrun to be System checks that total reliance on reviewed continually vs PAYG Withholding is vs the business has the (Incl. you do the process) being applied correctly systems/checking in place / PAYG Instalment calculated correctly ( not required/not applicable) Every calculation to be System checks that total reliance on reviewed for each AS vs income is being vs the business has the (Incl. you do the process) reported correctly systems/checking in place / WET calculated correctly ( not required/not applicable) Every calculation to be System checks that total reliance on reviewed for each AS vs WET is being vs the business has the (Incl. you do the process) reported correctly systems/checking in place / Luxury Car Tax calculated correctly ( not required/not applicable) Every calculation to be System checks that total reliance on reviewed for each AS vs LCT is being vs the business has the (Incl. you do the process) reported correctly systems/checking in place / Fuel Tax Credits are calculated correctly ( not required/not applicable) Every calculation to be System checks that total reliance on reviewed for each AS vs FTC is being vs the business has the (Incl. you do the process) reported correctly systems/checking in place Page 14 Guidance note produced by

15 SECTION E adhering to acceptable conduct (based on the TASA2009 Code of conduct provisions that are specifically related to the actual provision of service to a client.) If the client has stated that the scope of work you are required to do is limited or restricted to certain areas, or if you do all the processing, reporting and preparing of statements to be made, then: In relation to all areas of that client you must still: a) Act honestly and with integrity b) Act lawfully in the best interest of your client (generally) c) Act lawfully in the best interest of your client over any personal interest you may have in that client or their business affairs (be and act independent) d) Advise the client of their rights and obligations of the relevant tax laws that are materially related to the work you are doing In relation to the areas that you HAVE been engaged to perform work then you must: e) Have and provide competent service f) Have knowledge and skills g) Take reasonable care to ascertain/understand the clients relevant state of affairs h) Take reasonable care to ensure tax laws are applied correctly i) Advise the client of their rights and obligations of the relevant tax laws (Each of these aspects of the code are to be applied to the extent and in respect to the areas that you are providing BAS Services to the client) Section F However: You must not make a statement, prepare a statement, permit an entity to make or prepare a statement, to the commissioner that: j) Is false, incorrect or misleading in a material particular k) Omits anything that causes the statement to be misleading Concepts explained a) Act honestly and with integrity Would a reasonable person assess that your actions were taken while you were acting honestly and with integrity? b) Act lawfully in the best interest of your client (generally) Acting lawfully in the best interests means you advise the client of the correct law, you assist the client to comply with the correct law, you do not allow the client to make false claims because it suits them. Best interest implies that they will not be subject to penalties etc for taking a certain action as that action was not lawful. c) Act lawfully in the best interest of your client over any personal interest you may have in that client or their business affairs This deals with ensuring you act as though you are totally independent of any interest in or outcome that your client may or may not achieve in the conduct of their business. You advise, act, perform your work, report to the client without alteration because of any effect it may have on you. Guidance note produced by Page 15

16 d) Advise the client of their rights and obligations of the relevant tax laws that are materially related to the work you are doing Refer section D. If you are engaged by a client then we believe you have an obligation to advise that client, at least in general terms, in writing, their rights and obligations of applying the relevant tax laws correctly. You may not be engaged to advise or review an area, but as an Agent to provide a general advice sheet on the area of law and then confirm that you are not engaged to check that application of law should meet your obligation. e) Have and provide competent service Provision of competent service would rely on #f below have the relevant knowledge and skills and therefore you would be able to use appropriate process and techniques to effectively provide the correct service to the client. Do you have processes, template workpapers, systems to ensure competent service? Do you have the relevant skills and knowledge to provide a competent service? Have you recently undertaken any technical material review, industry information review, ATO material review to ensure you are applying the correct laws competently? f) Have relevant knowledge and skills How can you prove that your knowledge and skills are up to date? When did you last update your knowledge either by yourself or via external training to ensure you were current and understood all aspects of the area? Do you or one of your team have expertise in the area? g) Take reasonable care to ascertain/understand the clients relevant state of affairs Have you asked sufficient questions and within reason the right questions to understand the client, their business and the areas that you are being asked to advise on? Would another external advisor look at what you did ask and the level of research or investigation you undertook and be satisfied that it was sufficient to then advise the client? What is reasonable will vary from one set of client circumstances to the next set of client circumstances: based on level of client knowledge, size of business, intricacy of client business. h) Take reasonable care to ensure tax laws are applied correctly Have you spent enough time considering the clients affairs but also the relevant aspects of tax laws in order to ensure everything has been considered? Have you the processes to ensure all aspects of the tax law have been considered? What is reasonable will vary from one set of client circumstances to the next set of client circumstances: based on level of client knowledge, size of business, intricacy of client business. i) Advise the client of their rights and obligations of the relevant tax laws Provide information statements and guidance notes to the client that gives them an understanding of what their obligations are. Noting the client should not be abdicating their obligations in total. Page 16 Guidance note produced by

17 Section F false or misleading Statement You must not make a statement, prepare a statement, permit an entity to make or prepare a statement to the commissioner that: j) Is false, incorrect or misleading in a material particular k) Omits anything that causes the statement to be misleading Exclusions from this paper Code of conduct provisions not included above: Comply with taxation laws in your own personal affairs Account for client money you held/hold Do not disclose client information to a third party Arrangements for management of conflicts of interest Not knowingly obstruct the administration of taxation laws Maintain the required Professional Indemnity Insurance Respond to the requests from the TPB SUMMARY CONCEPT Who does the client think is advising them on this matter? Who is the client relying on for this matter to be correct? Meet that expectation! Guidance note produced by Page 17

18 CASE STUDIES Example If the client says don t do that piece of work or don t check that system what do I do? If the excluded area is not directly related to the work that you are doing then: a) Act honestly and with integrity - confirm it in writing - ask questions if you perceive they need to be asked (but its ok if you don t get answers) - However turning a blind eye to non-compliance would compromise integrity. b) Act lawfully in the best interest of your client (generally) - Provide the general advice on the client meeting their obligations c) Act lawfully in the best interest of your client over any personal interest you may have in that client or their business affairs - as always, act in the same way as though you have no personal interest d) Advise the client of their rights and obligations of the relevant tax laws that are materially related to the work you are doing - provide more specific advice on how the client has been and should be meeting their obligations - assist the client to meet these obligations (if that is included in your engagement) You must not make a statement, prepare a statement, permit an entity to make or prepare a statement to the commissioner that: j) Is false, incorrect or misleading in a material particular k) Omits anything that causes the statement to be misleading Example The BAS Agent has a view on appropriate treatment and it differs from that of the Tax Agent. You have: taken steps to ascertain the treatment you have interaction with another agent you obtain the specific tax treatment from the tax agent you apply that advice It would appear you have taken reasonable care to ensure the correct tax treatment. Ensure you refer to that separate advice in your notes to the client. or you take a more conservative action and not apply the treatment and raise questions, advising the client in writing what you have done in preparation of the reports Example The BAS Agent has obtained/been provided direction by that Tax Agent. You have: taken steps to ascertain the treatment you have interaction with another agent you obtain the specific tax treatment from the tax agent you apply that advice It would appear you have taken reasonable care to ensure the correct tax treatment. Ensure you refer to that separate advice in your notes to the client. Page 18 Guidance note produced by

19 Example The client has two different accounting systems. 1) the first accounts for all transactions relating to clients funds (often referred to as the Trust Account) and produces a GST report for these transactions. This is the processing work you do. 2) the second for the operating expenses of the business and this program also produces a GST report for the general/operating expenses (usually referred to as the General account). You have no input into this account. The client requires you to combine the two reports and complete the BAS form (paper copy). ANSWER In relation to all areas of that client you must still: e) Act honestly and with integrity - confirm it in writing - ask questions if you perceive they need to be asked (but its ok if you don t get answers) - However turning a blind eye to non-compliance would compromise integrity. f) Act lawfully in the best interest of your client (generally) - Provide the general advice on the client meeting their obligations g) Act lawfully in the best interest of your client over any personal interest you may have in that client or their business affairs - as always, act in the same way as though you have no personal interest h) Advise the client of their rights and obligations of the relevant tax laws that are materially related to the work you are doing - provide more specific advice on how the client has been and should be meeting their obligations - assist the client to meet these obligations (if that is included in your engagement) In relation to the areas that you HAVE been engaged to perform work then you must: a) Have and provide competent service - processes, checklists, procedures, workpapers b) Have knowledge and skills - experience, training, c) Take reasonable care to ascertain/understand the clients relevant state of affairs - ask questions on all related areas - confirm level that the client wishes you to investigate d) Take reasonable care to ensure tax laws are applied correctly - ensure you do have an understanding of the relevant laws e) Advise the client of their rights and obligations of the relevant tax laws If you are the one making a statement to the commissioner or signing it when that statement, at least in part, is based on a statement prepared by someone else (refer Section A) then you must either supervise and control their work or take reasonable steps to ensure the statement is accurate. If you are engaged to process and provide certainty about the one account but are told to totally rely on the other report for the second account then confirm the extent of engagement (Section D) and provide advice to the client about their obligations. Do the work, bring in the numbers from the report provided and produce the combined reports for the client, possibly including the BAS for the client to sign off. Noting on all work notes and the notes to the client that you have relied on the figures provided as directed. Guidance note produced by Page 19

20 However: You must not make a statement, prepare a statement, permit an entity to make or prepare a statement to the commissioner that: f) Is false, incorrect or misleading in a material particular g) Omits anything that causes the statement to be misleading So if you have concerns you would need to raise those matters with the client and we would advise not to proceed to drafting the BAS that is to be lodged, in such circumstances. Example What if the client says to adjust the GST collected figure down because of cashflow issues? What if the client says they will adjust the GST collected figure down because of cashflow issues? What if the client says to ignore something and they will take care of it? Provide the general advice to them of their rights and obligations. If you know they are making a statement that leaves something out then you should cease your engagement. If you provide reports based on your work that, the client then chooses to use or not use or use part of or adjust, then you have provided your reports based on correct process and procedure with your knowledge and skills and competence. The client has then acted, without you, to lodge or adjust then you have not been involved in any part of the making a statement. Next appointment you are engaged to prepare the same report for the following month ask questions, advise and prepare the report. What if the client says they will accept the interest penalty for late payment or reporting? Is that Acting in the best interests of the client? It wasn t your action. If they tell you not to lodge until it will be after any due date? We would advise you not to lodge it with your credentials (BAS Agent Portal or your AUSkey as it reflects on your practice) however technically this is not a code breach. Is any of this making a statement that is false? No. What if the client says they will deal with the consequence of not reporting an item correctly, when you know it is incorrect? That would be making or permitting to be made a statement that is misleading so no you cannot. What if the client says they will deal with any consequence of not reporting an item, or researching an item further to ensure it is reported correctly? Then you would need to ensure you have advised them of their rights and obligations. If the client has instructed you NOT to find out the right answer in their circumstances then ensure you confirm the extent of your engagement in writing. What if you know that the treatment the client wishes to apply is wrong and they say they will deal with any consequence of not dealing with that item any further, nor take advice from you in relation to that item? Then advise them generally of their rights and obligations, confirm in writing that you are not engaged to advise specifically on the area, but ALSO you cannot be part of making or permitting to be made a statement that is misleading. Therefore provide reports on what you have been engaged to do. Page 20 Guidance note produced by

21 What if you have a financial interest (a part ownership by you, or maybe a relative of yours) in the business? You must act in the same way as if the actions and behaviour and reporting of the client had no effect on you at all. Would a totally independent person assess that you had acted in the same way that they would have, without regard to any personal interest. Example What if you think something might be wrong but you have not been engaged to review that area of the clients business? The law uses the phrases: to the circumstances in relation to which you are providing advice to the client related to the tax agent services you provide relevant to thing you are doing on behalf of the client. Therefore provide the client with information or raise the question but you do not need to take it further. You are not obliged to look or investigate matters the client has not engaged you to do. Agree and document: areas of engagement Provide (at least general) advice / information sheets Do not lodge or permit to be lodged an incorrect statement Take reasonable care to apply tax laws correctly Sack the interesting client Example What if you know something is wrong but you have not been engaged to review that area of the clients business? The law uses the phrases: to the circumstances in relation to which you are providing advice to the client related to the tax agent services you provide relevant to thing you are doing on behalf of the client. Therefore provide the client with information or raise the question but you do not need to take it further. You are not obliged to look or investigate matters the client has not engaged you to do. Agree and document: areas of engagement Provide (at least general) advice / information sheets Do not lodge or permit to be lodged an incorrect statement Take reasonable care to apply tax laws correctly Sack the interesting client Guidance note produced by Page 21

22 Legislative Extracts TASA Meaning of BAS service (1) A BAS service is a * tax agent service: (a) that relates to: (i) ascertaining liabilities, obligations or entitlements of an entity that arise, or could arise, under a * BAS provision; or (ii) advising an entity about liabilities, obligations or entitlements of the entity or another entity that arise, or could arise, under a BAS provision; or (iii) representing an entity in their dealings with the Commissioner in relation to a BAS provision; and (b) that is provided in circumstances where the entity can reasonably be expected to rely on the service for either or both of the following purposes: (i) to satisfy liabilities or obligations that arise, or could arise, under a BAS provision; (ii) to claim entitlements that arise, or could arise, under a BAS provision The Code of Professional Conduct Honesty and integrity (1) You must act honestly and with integrity. Independence Competence (4) You must act lawfully in the best interests of your client. (5) You must have in place adequate arrangements for the management of conflicts of interest that may arise in relation to the activities that you undertake in the capacity of a * registered tax agent or BAS agent. (7) You must ensure that a * tax agent service that you provide, or that is provided on your behalf, is provided competently. (8) You must maintain knowledge and skills relevant to the * tax agent services that you provide. (9) You must take reasonable care in ascertaining a client s state of affairs, to the extent that ascertaining the state of those affairs is relevant to a statement you are making or a thing you are doing on behalf of the client. (10) You must take reasonable care to ensure that * taxation laws are applied correctly to the circumstances in relation to which you are providing advice to a client. Other responsibilities (11) You must not knowingly obstruct the proper administration of the * taxation laws. (12) You must advise your client of the client s rights and obligations under the * taxation laws that are materially related to the * tax agent services you provide. Page 22 Guidance note produced by

23 50-20 Making false or misleading statements You contravene this section if: (a) you are a * registered tax agent or BAS agent; and (b) you: (i) make a statement to the Commissioner; or (ii) prepare a statement that you know, or ought reasonably to know, is likely to be made to the Commissioner by an entity; or (iii) permit or direct an entity to do a thing mentioned in subparagraph (i) or (ii); and (c) you know, or are reckless as to whether, the statement: (i) is false, incorrect or misleading in a material particular; or (ii) omits any matter or thing without which the statement is misleading in a material respect Signing of declarations etc. (2) You contravene this subsection if: (a) you are a * registered tax agent or BAS agent who is an individual; and (b) you sign a declaration or other statement in relation to a taxpayer that is required or permitted by a * BAS provision; and (c) the document in relation to which the declaration or other statement is being made was prepared by an entity other than: (i) you; or (ii) a registered tax agent or BAS agent who is an individual; or (iii) an individual who is working under your supervision and control or the supervision or control of another registered tax agent or BAS agent who is an individual. (4) You contravene this subsection if: (a) you are a partnership or company that is a * registered tax agent or BAS agent; and (b) you sign a declaration or other statement in relation to a taxpayer that is required or permitted by a * BAS provision; and (c) the document in relation to which the declaration or other statement is being made was prepared by an entity other than: (i) a registered tax agent or BAS agent who is an individual; or (ii) an individual who is working under the supervision and control of a registered tax agent or BAS agent who is an individual. (5) Subsections (1) to (4) do not apply if you took reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the document. In civil penalty proceedings, you bear the evidential burden of proving that you took such reasonable steps. Sn995-1 ITAA BAS provisions means: (a) Part VII of the Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986; and (b) the *indirect tax law; and (c) Parts 2 5 and 2 10 in Schedule 1 to the Taxation Administration Act 1953 (which are about the PAYG system). Note: BAS stands for Business Activity Statement. indirect tax law means any of the following: (a) the *GST law; (b) the *wine tax law; (c) the *luxury car tax law; (d) the *fuel tax law. GST law has the meaning given by section of the *GST Act. Fuel tax law has the meaning given by section of the Fuel Tax Act Guidance note produced by Page 23

24 Understanding the TASA 2009 code of conduct Background concept: This legislation has been brought in on the basis of providing better Consumer Protection. The concept is that as a result of a better registration regime over who is able to provide what tax services (including BAS services) we will have an environment where the client is being provided with better advice and better service and there is a consistent obligation on providers of these services. The code of conduct is part of the legislation and is a key component of delivering the consumer protection. Honesty & Integrity: An agent can t help a client avoid tax or make fraudulent claims. An agent must act with integrity, still act on behalf of the client with providing services to the clients for their best interest but not at the cost of being dishonest, acting in opposition to the law or in any way that diminishes the integrity of the agent themselves. An agent must comply with their own tax obligations in every sense. It has been argued that if an agent cant comply with their own (and all their related entities) compliance, lodgement and payment obligations then they are unlikely to be able to keep their clients in line. An Agent needs to hold their integrity (and therefore their agent status) as a higher value than keeping a dishonest client happy. Client money must be held in trust accounts. Independence: An agent must act lawfully in the client s interests: This type of independence links in with Honesty and integrity but the concept is that you are not so close to the client that you are prepared to allow claims to be made (GST credit claimed back) that is not really allowed. You must independently provide the legal and correct advice to the client and stand independent of any bad decisions of the client. You must not knowingly allow that claim to be made if you know it is wrong. In practice you prepare the quarterly information for the BAS. There are a number of transactions that cause you concern and you request further information or even better that you understand to be a private purchase and hence you don t claim back the GST. The client instructs you to claim the GST anyway: if you know the claim is wrong then You must not!. Post the transaction to a query account and finish your reports without claiming the GST and tell the client. If the client alters the report you are not a party to the incorrect claim and you have stood independent of the client. Avoid conflicts of interest: At a minimum you should inform clients if you believe there is a potential or could be a perceived conflict of interest between you and the client or between 2 or more of your clients. Between you and the client: if you take equity or profit share in your client then you have a conflict of interest. This must be well documented and agreed to and noted by the other equity holders etc. You must act with integrity and honesty in provision of any service to this client (as though you had no interest). The ultimate best position is to have others review/sign off on anything that you have provided that may be seen as benefitting or effecting you. Between clients: it is often used as a marketing advantage to claim expertise in an industry, however it may also be perceived as a conflict of interest. You will need to document and inform clients of situations where you may work for conceptually their competitors. Page 24 Guidance note produced by

25 Competence: Are you competent/qualified/experienced/knowledgeable to provide that service to the client? How to be competent? Take reasonable care! Ask questions on anything you aren t certain about? Seek clarification of information. Seek expert opinion on areas that you are certain about. This would include issues where you question some of the information provided to you ie Stock level looks too low. Raise issues with the client: If you some across a transaction or situation that you believe the client should be seeking advice or assistance to comply then you are obliged to advise the client. If the client does not ask you to provide that assistance then you must not be a party to acting without that advice but we don t believe that you must provide advice or assistance when you are not engaged to do so. Take Reasonable Steps! Review the information provided by the client. Review and raise issues about that information (areas of concern, areas to research to become certain about), seek expert assistance or clarification on the issue, advise the client of the issues, advise the client of the research and view. Undergo Continuing Professional Education Keep up to date, talk to others, research and be trained details of exactly what the Board requires are yet to be issued. There is an obligation to undergo 15 hours education per year. ICB will continue to issue lists and connections to relevant Education providers. ICB will continue to provide Education through its regional network meetings and also the Annual Conference. Other Responsibilities: You must comply with the administrative provisions of the law. Keeping records, comply with demands (Sn 263) notices. Help clients know and comply with tax obligations! Agents must agree with clients the areas that they have been engaged by that client to be responsible to assist that client. Specifically note in writing what you are doing and what you aren t doing. Then for the areas that you are engaged you must be advising and helping the clients in those areas. Help them understand, advise them when you need to, not just when they ask! Professional Indemnity Insurance: Under the legislation the Board may require PI insurance. They do and they have prescribed it. As an ICB member in practice you or the bookkeeping business you are working for must have PI insurance in order to be providing services as a outsource bookkeeping service provider. ICB requirements and the TPB requirements overlap and do not conflict. Follow Board directives: If you become a registered Agent then you are obliged to comply with Board directions or requests. What happens if you breach the code? The Board has the ability to: Caution, require an agent to undergo a form of training, require an agent to work under the supervision of another agent, restrict the services that the agent is allowed to provide, suspension or cancellation of the agents registration. If we turn this to the positive then the Board has the ability to have agents work with other agents in order to provide competent services or have an agent limit their range of services to specialty areas. Guidance note produced by Page 25

26 Reasonable Care Whether you are a BAS Agent or not Principals of dealing with difficult clients, accountants and inheriting messy files! The bookkeeper and BAS Agent s world continues to evolve at a rapid pace and the fear of being blamed for wrong information, financials and lodgements is more apparent now than ever. Professional bookkeepers integrity must always be held high. As a registered BAS Agent, you cannot knowingly be part of lodging a BAS when you know there is GST over claims, equally a bookkeeper must query and clarify instructions when posting an expense that may not be part of the business. In the real world, there are many circumstances where bookkeepers are confronted with questionable issues that sometimes involve prior bookkeepers, the interesting accountant, the interesting client and sometimes all 3. ICB is constantly asked to provide guidance and support on these areas; here are some principals of practice to ensure your highest integrity always stands and a process is followed to ensure you arent being accused of being interesting. What does the client think is happening? How well documented and specified is your task list? Communication! Communication! Communication! is critical in all circumstances. Do nothing without an acceptance in writing from the client of what work they require you to perform. Equally always obtain confirmation for access to the client information on the portal and for every BAS lodged. You must be honest and complete in taking reasonable care to provide services and advice on the matters that you have been asked to consider. In other words Don t solve problems that you have not been specifically asked to solve. Inheriting Messy files A new client can often hold surprises and the prior bookkeepers work is sometimes hard to follow and in some circumstances not correct. Is it your role to change the bookkeeping of the past to match the way you would have done it? The answer, No, unless the client specifically asks you to take the responsibility to change it and for you to be satisfied it is correct. If the client engages you to fix all problems, then outline the issues in writing, provide a cost estimate and proceed and seek payment each step of the way. If the client chooses to only engage you on the future, then draw a line in the sand and proceed. Suggested steps to follow: i. Use the ICB initial file review to do a complete audit of file so that you find as many issues upfront as possible. ii. Inform the client of the problems found in writing not just in a discussion. iii. Suggest to the client to inform the accountant about what is now happening iv. Be guided by the client and accountant as to what work is required, don t just fix it v. On confirmation of what work is to be performed, confirm the details in writing at least via , to help prevent any subsequent confusion. This communication must also include the basis of fees and estimated costs. vi. If additional problems are found, inform the client and accountant, establish how to proceed and again confirm this in writing. vii. If the client only engages you to perform the current work and not address the issues or the past, then draw a line in the sand and move forward. Create a journal to fix the opening balances if needed and proceed from there. Inform the client and accountant of the journal. Page 26 Guidance note produced by

27 The interesting accountant Communication with the client s accountant is critical but in real life, it is not always possible. For whatever reason some accountants refuse to work with the bookkeeper. So what does the bookkeeper do? If the accountant doesn t want the day to day accounting file to have all the balance sheet in it, don t stress, just work with what you have got and inform the client of the process. If the accountant doesn t want to give you adjusting journals at year end, don t stress, just work with your real file. If the client has a set of accounts that are the final financials for year end then adjust the file yourself. If the accountant guides the bookkeeper on a task that is questionable then: a. If you are comfortable with the advice then process and move on, it is probably still prefer able to obtain the instruction or clarification in writing, just in case it is still not right then you don t want to be the one hung out to dry, b. If you are being instructed to process claims that you know are incorrect: if it is simply where to post the expense in the accounts then really it is not your issue, but certainly provide a list of such transactions and issues to the client aand probably also the accountant as part of your process, if the instruction is to claim GST that you know to be wrong then, a registered BAS Agent would be prosecuted under the legal code of conduct for knowingly lodging a statement they know to be wrong. So whether a BAS Agent or not, a professional bookkeeper should prepare the reports based on what you believe to be correct. Don t turn a blind eye. If the client wants something different lodged then leave them with your reports and arrange to come back for next quarter. The interesting client There are many clients out there unknowingly or knowingly ask the bookkeeper to put a personal expense through the business or claim GST on the personal expense, possibly adjust the BAS to reduce the GST or put through building materials for their own house development, the list goes on. As stated previously, a bookkeeper and/or BAS Agent cannot knowingly be part of transaction or lodgement that involves a value that is not true to the law of the GST or Tax Act. How do you handle these circumstances? 1. Gain guidance from the accountant, post to suspense and ask for clarification 2. Put in writing the concern behind the transaction/lodgement and remove yourself from the responsibility 3. Consequences could be loss of client, but at least you can sleep at night. The ATO Being the agent between client and ATO, holds a high level of responsibility and obligation, therefore it is imperative that you always have written confirmation of your appointment. For any involvement with the ATO on behalf of your client we recommend 1. Obtain confirmation in writing to access the clients information on the ATO portal 2. Obtain confirmation in writing from the client to speak on their behalf to the ATO on general matters but also if there is anything specific that arises then also engage the client in the process and agree on your representative role, if any. 3. Obtain confirmation in writing to lodge every BAS 4. Obtain confirmation and accountants involvement, if possible, for any ATO audit of a client Guidance note produced by Page 27

28 For your own integrity and well being 1. Bill for all your time, life is too short to work for nothing 2. Get paid regularly and don t let the debt build up 3. Ask the question, can you live with doing the job when so much of it is out of your control. 4. If your agreement with the client is to not see all the records but to process on instructions - then that s fine, but document it 5. If you know it can t be proved, then you cannot process a GST claim - you can still allocate the expense to an expense account but maybe use a GST QUE code and not claim it till proof is provided 6. Prove that you have asked the questions In summary, there are many variations of real life experiences that may potentially put the bookkeeper and/or BAS Agent in hot water but we feel whatever those circumstances may be you must always wear the bookkeeping CAP Communicate Ask for guidance Put in writing Reasonable care how to act The Accountant has sent through the end of year adjustment journals which include some interesting items. eg The entertainment account balance for the year has been transferred to Travel Expenses. What is our obligation? What should we do? What should we not do? (As a bookkeeper and/or as a BAS Agent) Professional Bookkeepers need to agree with the client on the terms of their engagement. What is the role of the bookkeeper? Bookkeepers typically process transactions and provide the reports at least, to the accountant at the end of the year. The accountant does their thing and returns financial reports to the client. If they are good they also return adjusting journal/s with explanations so that the clients real data file can be altered and brought into line with accountants adjustments. Many times the bookkeeper need to work out the journal to bring the balance sheet into line with the end of year financials. So as a bookkeeper, who is engaged to follow these instructions, you do make the adjustments and move on. A professional bookkeeper would raise any issues with the client, if they see anything that they would call a concern or of interest. Raise the issue and move on. Note Your obligations are limited to the services that you are providing to the client. Why the clarification? You are not required to do work that is not part of what the client has engaged you to do. You are not required to look behind rocks unless the client has engaged you to look. You are not required to find areas of non-compliance of your client unless your client has engaged you to advise them in relation to that area of their business. Page 28 Guidance note produced by

29 However, neither are you allowed to turn a blind eye when a tax law is being broken. You cannot be a part of a client breaking or bending tax law. If you know that something is wrong and the client or accountant has (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) told you to ignore it or just accept it, you cannot be a part of that - do not lodge a BAS that you KNOW is wrong. There is a difference between what you know is wrong and what you have questions about. If you have questions, ask those questions, obtain the answers/directions in writing from the tax agent and move on. If it is an area the tax agent/accountant is engaged to advise and not you then you are able to follow that direction and advice. However you cannot blindly accept a client instruction to ignore ensuring the taxation laws are applied correctly we recommend you do not be a part of lodging anything that you believe is wrong. viii. ix. So the client or accountant sends through the above adjustment for entertainment. The BAS Agent could initially accept the adjustment. However what if you are aware that FBT is not being considered. The application of FBT to an expense is out of the scope for BAS Agents. It is the role of Tax Agent. Therefore if the tax agent has advised on the adjustment ensure it is in writing and accept the adjustment. The adjustment sent to you includes an adjustment to claim back further GST input tax credits on the entertainment expenses (shifted to travel) that you previously didn t claim. Remember that you cannot claim back GST on non-deductible expenses. This is where the two roles of; the tax agent who advises on income tax matters and whether expenses are deductible or not, interacts significantly with the role of the BAS Agent, who typically is responsible for completion of the BAS and hence the amount of GST being claimed back. x. What if it is clearly wrong and any reasonable person knows that the expense is not claimable? Say Golf Club Membership. FBT can be applied to any expense including Golf Club Memberships/school fees and the above concept would apply. Many bookkeepers are responsible for the payroll however salary sacrifice or packaged expenses and the entire application of FBT and employee reimbursements in relation to FBT can be handled totally outside of the Payroll system, so simply that you have not been advised there is a salary sacrifice or FBT in place does not mean that it is not allowable. xi. If your role for a client includes; the payroll, the BAS and all related GST treatments, the workers compensation remuneration declarations, the preparation of Payment Summaries (which includes amounts of reportable fringe benefits) we may well have a problem. Given this all inclusive role: What if entertainment and golf club memberships are moved to travel or purchases and you are instructed to claim back the GST and not show any thing on the payment summaries? Simple: You cannot be a part of it. It is not reasonable for you to turn a blind eye to such a mistaken application of the tax laws. Prepare the reports and BAS as you would normally, move the expenses to a Suspense account of some description (on the balance sheet), advise the client of your treatment and don t be a part of an illegitimate claim or apparently incorrect declaration to the tax office. Guidance note produced by Page 29

30 ICB CHECKLIST Applying the code to a specific client Client Date Engagement Who What process should the BAS Agent follow to ensure compliance with the code of conduct and the civil penalty provisions? (P31) (P31) (P31) (P32) (P33) Page 30 Guidance note produced by

31 A checklist of processes and thoughts to determine how you are permitted to engage with a client: Client Date Engagement Who Application of the TASA2009 to BAS Agents performing a BAS Service Are you allowed to provide this service? It must be a BAS Service in relation to a BAS Provision Section A Are you signing a statement or declaration? A1 Are you signing a declaration or statement in relation to the taxpayer? Lodging it via your BAS Agent portal Lodging it via your AUSkey credential using other software (ECI, GovReports) Physically signing a form (not recommended) Providing a completed form for the client to sign (grey area) No: Section D Yes: Section B Section B Who prepared the statement? B1: You Yes: Section E B2: Another Tax Agent or BAS Agent Yes Sign & Section F Proof obtained B3: Another person under your supervision and control Did you supervise the process followed? Did you review the work performed? Do you have documents, procedure notes &/or checklists that were followed to prove the review and the supervision? Therefore.. Has the statement been prepared as if you had done it? If Yes then Section E If No to all then Section C Section C: Did you take reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the entire document? Are you satisfied the preparer understands the requirements of how to comply? Are you satisfied that the preparer complied with legal requirements? Have you checked any area of the BAS where there is a risk of a material mistake? What steps do you need to take to satisfy yourself to a reasonable extent that the statement is correct? Did you review the process that was followed? Did you review the work performed? Do you have documents, procedure notes &/or checklists that were followed to prove the review and any alterations required? If the client limites your scope of work such that you cannot take reasonable steps to verify the accuracy of the statment then you cannot sign the statement however you may be able to advise the client on aspects of the statement (Section D) If YES then Section E If No then Do not sign & Advise the client to the extent Section D. SECTION D What extent of checking? Guidance note produced by Page 31

32 In all cases Advise the preparer/business of their compliance obligations Yes/No Provided Areas: Tax invoice obligations on all purchases Taxable purpose for all claims for Input Tax Credits Charging GST on all taxable supplies PAYG Withholding obligations PAYG Instalment Application of WET / FTC / LCT What level of checking does the client require me to do? Refer Schedule for D 100% I do it all: X% Ensure their processing is correct: % 0% None: Advise them of each area of their obligations & Confirm in writing the level of checking (see below) & Provide cost estimates upfront and then revise frequently. Section E Applying the code (in addition to that implied above) In relation to all areas of that client you must still: a) Act honestly and with integrity b) Act lawfully in the best interest of your client (generally) c) Act lawfully in the best interest of your client over any personal interest you may have in that client or their business affairs (be and act independent) d) Advise the client of their rights and obligations of the relevant tax laws that are materially related to the work you are doing (refer Section D) In relation to the areas that you HAVE been engaged to perform work then you must: e) Have and provide competent service Do you have processes, template workpapers? f) Have knowledge and skills Do you have the relevant skills and knowledge? Have you recently undertaken any technical material review, industry information review, ATO material review? How can you prove that your knowledge and skills are up to date? When did you last update your knowledge either by yourself or via external training to ensure you were current and understood all aspects of the area? Do you or one of your team have expertise in the area? g) Take reasonable care to ascertain/understand the clients relevant state of affairs Have you asked sufficient questions and within reason the right questions to understand the client, their business and the areas that you are being asked to advise on? Would another external advisor look at what you did ask and the level of research or investigation you undertook and be satisfied that it was sufficient to then advise the client? h) Take reasonable care to ensure tax laws are applied correctly Have you spent enough time considering the clients affairs but also the relevant aspects of tax laws in order to ensure everything has been considered? Have you the processes to ensure all aspects of the tax law have been considered? i) Advise the client of their rights and obligations of the relevant tax laws (refer Sn D) Page 32 Guidance note produced by

33 Section F false or misleading Statement You must not make a statement, prepare a statement, permit an entity to make or prepare a statement, to the commissioner that: a) Is false, incorrect or misleading in a material particular b) Omits anything that causes the statement to be misleading Are you satisfied you meet this standard? Yes: Proceed No: Don t prepare the statement Advise and ask questions? SUMMARY Who does the client think is advising them on this matter? Who is the client relying on for this matter to be correct? Meet that expectation! Guidance note produced by Page 33

34 D: Schedule: Checklist Agree on the extent of checking 0 = Total reliance on you 10 = total reliance on the business systems 1/ Tax Invoices (purchases) ( not required/not applicable) Every Tax Invoice System checks that total reliance on to be reviewed vs tax invoices are correct vs the business has the (incl. you do the process) and being retained systems/checking in place / Purchases for taxable purpose ( not required/not applicable) Every Tax Invoice to be System checks that total reliance that reviewed for purpose vs taxable purpose is vs the business has the (incl. you do the process) being checked systems/checking in place / Charging of GST on all Taxable Supplies ( not required/not applicable) Every product and System checks that total reliance on Service to be reviewed vs charging of GST is vs the business has the continually being applied correctly systems/checking in place / PAYG Withholding set up correctly ( not required/not applicable) Every employee pay System checks that total reliance on arrangement to be vs PAYG Withholding is vs the business has the reviewed being setup correctly systems/checking in place / PAYG Withholding applied correctly ( not required/not applicable) Every payrun to be System checks that total reliance on reviewed continually vs PAYG Withholding is vs the business has the (Incl. you do the process) being applied correctly systems/checking in place / PAYG Instalment calculated correctly ( not required/not applicable) Every calculation to be System checks that total reliance on reviewed for each AS vs income is being vs the business has the (Incl. you do the process) reported correctly systems/checking in place / WET calculated correctly ( not required/not applicable) Every calculation to be System checks that total reliance on reviewed for each AS vs WET is being vs the business has the (Incl. you do the process) reported correctly systems/checking in place / Luxury Car Tax calculated correctly ( not required/not applicable) Every calculation to be System checks that total reliance on reviewed for each AS vs LCT is being vs the business has the (Incl. you do the process) reported correctly systems/checking in place / Fuel Tax Credits are calculated correctly ( not required/not applicable) Every calculation to be System checks that total reliance on reviewed for each AS vs FTC is being vs the business has the (Incl. you do the process) reported correctly systems/checking in place Page 34 Guidance note produced by

35 Review of Bookkeepers ability to service a client in accordance with Professional Standards and Code of Conduct A bookkeeper should recognise any skills requiring improvement or business practices requiring management initially and upon a periodic review. Reviewer Date Client Do we have the skills / competence to service this client? Software Details of Competence Banking interactions ( ) Cheque writing, ( )Electronic payments, ( )Deposit Cheques ( )Statements electronic bank feed Sales Process: standard / unique skills required Bookkeeping skills: Notable items GST standard / Specialist Sales (ITS) / Importing / Payroll: Standard / Salary Packaging / Employment Law Are there any areas here where we need to up skill or obtain some guidance? Are there any areas here where we need to ensure a specific person is involved or specific person review is required? In working with this client are we satisfied that our honesty and integrity is upheld? Do they require us to claim expenses for private matters? Do they require us to ignore cash received? Do they require us to claim GST when it is not appropriate? Have they required us to lodge a BAS that we know contains mistakes? Do we help this client breach their legal requirements? Do we hold money in our possession / bank for this client? If so: Is it held in a separate bank account (not necessary but advisable) Is it accounted for? Is it ever used for other purposes? Does anyone in this business have any form of connection with any person in the clients business? Our person Their person Connection Is the business owner aware of the connection? Has the business owner specifically consented to you continuing to act for them despite this connection? Guidance note produced by Page 35

36 Details of where this consent is stored How would this connection potentially create a problem? If our person is responsible for calculating payments to their person what procedure is in place to ensure overpayments are not made? Does any other client have any business or personal interaction with any other client? Other client Clients person Connection Is this business owner aware of the connection? Is the other client business owner aware of the connection? Has the business owner specifically consented to you continuing to act for them despite this connection? Details of where this consent is stored How would this connection potentially create a problem? If our person is responsible for calculating/making payments/invoices to client B what procedure is in place to ensure errors are not made? What business area related to this client should we plan to undertake some additional training? Types of transaction? Understanding of industry? Understanding of areas of GST / PAYG law that relate to this client? What direction should we seek from the accountant to ensure we abiding by requirements? Page 36 Guidance note produced by

37 AUTHORITY FOR BAS Agent to act on behalf of the Taxpayer in respect to the taxpayers dealings with the Australian Taxation Office This authority extends to all areas agreed between the Taxpayer and the BAS Agent which the BAS Agent is permitted to undertake by law, including but not limited to; Adding the Taxpayer to the Client List of the BAS Agent with the ATO ECI lodgement facility Adding the Taxpayer to the Client List of the BAS Agent on the ATO BAS Agent view of the Portal Adding the Taxpayer to the Clients list of the BAS Agent on SBR enabled Software Representing the Taxpayer in their dealings with the Commissioner in relation to a BAS Provision Preparing and Lodging Activity Statements & Payment Summary Information Having access to activity statement and related information that may be provided. Taxpayers Details Type of taxpayer Individual / Trust / Partnership / Company Name: Individuals: Date of Birth: Male / Female Tax File Number: ABN: (if applicable) Contact Phone numbers: Home Address: Business Address: Postal Address:: It is agreed that the Activity Statements will be mailed to: BAS Agents Details BAS Agent Name (Company or trading name): Primary Authorised Individual of that Agent: BAS Agent Number: Contact Phone Number: Contact Name: Taxpayer Authorisation I hereby provide the above authorisation until revoked in writing, I am authorised to make this declaration Signed Name: Capacity: (Self / Director / CEO / Partner) BAS Agent Consent I declare I am authorised under the TASA2009 to act as or for a Registered BAS Agent and am able and permitted to provide the above services: Signed Name: Capacity: (Self / Director / CEO / Partner) Guidance note produced by Page 37

38 Authority to Lodge Electronically A requirement of each registered Agent is to create and retain proof of the agents authority to electronically lodge each and every Activity Statement. This includes signed authority by a client to lodge with the tax office in any form but especially in relation to BAS Agent Portal or ECI access. (It also applies to ELS lodgement software). This is a stated requirement by the ATO in their online services guides and alluded to in other places including the BAS Agent Induction kit. (Refer below for extract from ATO website). The below template is designed to provide the authority and also provide protection for the BAS Agent. We have resourced the requirements and information needed to adhere to the law and provide the benefits of the law to both taxpayer and BAS Agent and created this template for ICB Members. We believe this template meets the needs of the ATO and also provide you with adequate proof of your authority to act if you are ever questioned. We note that the authority must be signed by the taxpayer and you as agent. We note that this authority to lodge for a client should be retained by you, for at least 5 years but we suggest 7 years after the end of the financial year during which the Activity Statement was lodged ie if you lodge the statement in October 2010, you should not destroy this authority to act until after July We note the ATO does not require nor want you to lodge this form with them in any format you will just need to produce it if asked. Signature or ??? We absolutely recommend you obtain a signed copy of this authority. Certainly you could scan it and retain it electronically, but get the signature. In urgent cases an exchange of may get you over the line initially but we recommend you follow the urgent with signed declarations. Page 38 Guidance note produced by

39 Declaration for an Activity Statement being lodged by the BAS Agent This declaration is to be used if an entity chooses to use a third party for returning an Activity Statement to the ATO. It is the responsibility of the entity and the agent to retain this declaration for a period of five years after the declaration is made. Privacy The information collected on the Activity Statement is authorised by the following laws: A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 1999 A New Tax System (Goods and Service Tax) Act 1999 A New Tax System (Goods and Service Tax Transition) Act 1999 A New Tax System (Luxury Car Tax) Act 1999 A New Tax System (Wine Equalisation Tax) Act 1999 A New Tax System (Wine Equalisation Tax and Luxury Car Tax Transition) Act 1999 Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Taxation Administration Act 1953 Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986 This information will help the ATO to administer the taxation laws. It may be passed on only to third parties authorised by law to receive it. For example, information can be provided regularly to Commonwealth agencies such as: Law enforcement agencies e.g. the National Crime Authority and Australian Federal Police benefit payment agencies e.g. the Health Insurance Commission and Centrelink, and other agencies authorised by law to receive it e.g. the Australian Bureau of Statistics Information may also be provided regularly to State, Territory and local government agencies such as law enforcement agencies, benefit payment agencies and Revenue Offices carrying out functions under a taxation law. Activity Statement Details Entity Name: ABN: BAS Period: BAS for period commencing / / to / / Document Identification Number (DIN): Entity s Declaration I declare that; the information provided to the BAS Agent for the preparation of the activity statement is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge all relevant information has been provided to the BAS Agent that we have valid tax invoices for all amounts of GST Input Tax Credits being claimed in this Activity Statement, and that I am authorised to make this declaration. I authorise the BAS Agent to give this activity statement to the Commissioner of Taxation. Signed Capacity: (Self / Director / CEO / Partner) Date: Name: BAS Agents Details I declare that: I have prepared this activity statement in accordance with the information supplied by the entity; I have received a declaration made by the entity that the information provided to me for the preparation of this activity statement is true and correct; and I am authorised by the entity to give the information in this activity statement to the Commissioner. Signed Capacity: (Self / Director / CEO / Partner) Date: Name: BAS Agent Name (Company or trading name): BAS Agent Number: Contact Phone Number: Contact Name: Guidance note produced by Page 39

40 From ATO website 15 October 2010 What records do I have to keep to show that I have authority to lodge a client s activity statement? Your clients must provide you with a written and signed declaration for each activity statement you plan to lodge on their behalf. The declaration must be made before the activity statement is lodged. The declaration must state that: the information provided for the preparation of the document is true and correct, and you (the BAS agent) are authorised to give the document to the Commissioner, and the person providing the information is authorised to do so. There is no set format for the declaration but it must also include the: name of the client and the entity they represent date name of the person lodging the activity statement, and period to which the declaration relates. Example of a declaration: I, (name of client) authorise (name of BAS agent) to give the (period (eg) March 06 quarterly) activity statement to the Commissioner of Taxation for (entity name). I declare that the information provided for the preparation of this activity statement is true and correct. I am authorised to make this declaration. Signed: (Name of client making the declaration) Date: The client can make the declaration to a BAS agent via , paper or facsimile transmission. The client is required to retain these declarations for five (5) years after the declaration is made, or two (2) years after the declaration is made if the client is a shorter period of review (SPOR) taxpayer. The client must produce the declaration (or a copy) to the Commissioner if requested to do so within those periods. It is recommended that the BAS agent also keep a copy for their records. The declaration made by the client serves as protection for the BAS agent in the event of any dispute about the information provided in the activity statement. Last Modified: Saturday, 14 August 2010 The template we have provided is based on requirement stated by the ATO at downloads/activitystatement.pdf Page 40 Guidance note produced by

41 Authority to Lodge Payment Summary (EMPDUPE) Electronically A requirement of each registered Agent is to create and retain proof of the agent s authority to electronically lodge on behalf of a client. This includes signed authority by a client to lodge with the tax office in any form but especially in relation to BAS Agent Portal or ECI access. (It also applies to ELS lodgement software). This is a stated requirement by the ATO in their online services guides and alluded to in other places including the BAS Agent Induction kit. (Refer below for extract from ATO website). The below template is designed to provide the authority and also provide protection for the BAS Agent. We have resourced the requirements and information needed to adhere to the law and provide the benefits of the law to both taxpayer and BAS Agent and created this template for ICB Members. We believe this template meets the needs of the ATO and also provide you with adequate proof of your authority to act if you are ever questioned. We note that the authority must be signed by the client and you as the agent. We note that this authority to lodge for a client should be retained by you, for at least 5 years but we suggest 7 years after the end of the financial year during which the Activity Statement was lodged ie: if you lodge the statement in October 2010, you should not destroy this authority to act until after July We note the ATO does not require nor want you to lodge this form with them in any format you will just need to produce it if asked. Signature or ??? We absolutely recommend you obtain a signed copy of this authority. Certainly you could scan it and retain it electronically, but get the signature. In urgent cases an exchange of may get you over the line initially but we recommend you follow the urgent with signed declarations. Guidance note produced by Page 41

42 Payment Summary (EMPDUPE) Details Entity Name: ABN: Period: for period commencing / / to / / Entity s Declaration I declare that; the information provided to the BAS Agent for the preparation of the EMPDUPE file is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge all relevant information has been provided to the BAS Agent I am authorised to make this declaration. I authorise the BAS Agent to give this payment summary information to the Commissioner of Taxation. Signed Name: Capacity: (Self / Director / CEO / Partner) Date: BAS Agents Details I declare that: I have prepared this Payment Summary Information file in accordance with the information supplied by the entity; I have received a declaration made by the entity that the information provided to me for the preparation of this activity statement is true and correct; and I am authorised by the entity to give the information in this payment summary information to the Commissioner. Signed Capacity: (Self / Director / CEO / Partner) Date: Name: BAS Agent Name (Company or trading name): BAS Agent Number: Contact Name: Contact Phone Number: Page 42 Guidance note produced by

43 External Agent Engagement Agreement (August 2012) MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING & ENGAGEMENT IN RELATION TO THE WORK INVOLVED IN PERFORMANCE OF BAS AGENT SERVICES This document is to reflect the understanding and agreement between The Client ( Client ): Your clients name and address The Bookkeeper/Consultant ( BKK ): Your name and address (Firm name and individual name) The Tax/BAS Agent ( Agent ): Agent firm name and address in relation to the following entities( Entities ): 1) Entity name & ABN 2) for the provision of BAS Services to the client through a combination of services being provided by the Agent & the Agent utilising the Bookkeeper. This may include Supervisory Services by the Agent, that allow the BKK to perform work in addition to Bookkeeping services that crosses into the performance of BAS Agent Services. It is acknowledged and noted by all parties that the BKK is not a Registered Agent and is able to perform BAS Agent Services only due to the Client also engaging the Agent in providing the necessary additional supervision services. It is specifically noted that the Client is able to rely on the work of the Agent in relation to the BAS Services work and not the Bookkeeper. This agreement commences as of dd / mm / yy until notified by any party of their withdrawing from the relationship This agreement indicates the intention of each of the parties to comply with the provisions of TASA2009 and associated regulations in relation to the preparation and/or lodgement of Activity Statements and other BAS Agent Services. Whereas 1) the Client has engaged the Agent, in conjunction with the BKK to assist them in the preparation and lodgement of the Entities Activity Statements and other BAS Service work. 2) Client has also separately engaged the Agent to (amongst any other duties outside the scope of this agreement) provide satisfactory supervisory arrangements of the BKK is the provision of BAS Services including the following: 1.0 Guidance: BKK shall report to / seek guidance/obtain review from the Agent on the progress of any BAS services performed under this agreement, who shall monitor such work. Guidance note produced by Page 43

44 BKK shall not provide advice or interpretation on an area of BAS obligations or e ntitlements which the Agent has not provided BKK with the appropriate supervision, or is not qualified or experienced to provide. BKK shall seek advice or confirmation of any advice provided by BKK from the Agent. 2.0 Risk Based Quality Assurance: 2.1: Agent Role: The Agent will assure that BKK s work is of a satisfactory standard. Where the work is unsatisfactory the Agent will ensure the BKK Is made aware of the deficiency and Is educated as to what the correct treatment is Review the quality assurance process to determine if any changes are required 2.2: BKK Role Will maintain the knowledge and skills appropriate to the level of direction provided by the Agent Have available all the necessary client documentation to verify the workings from which any BAS service was provided When advised of any unsatisfactory work, BKK will identify and correct all instances in other BAS s that they have prepared and undertake further learning if necessary 2.3: Client Role Will note and understand that the BKK is able to provide BAS Agent Services only under the supervision of the Agent. To engage and assist both the BKK & Agent as requested 3.0: Principles for Quality Assurance BKK must satisfy the Agent that the work performed is of a satisfactory standard by: Demonstrating that BKK has followed the agreed procedure Provide sufficient proof of work performed Seek resolution to issues discovered during the performance of all work Demonstrate that the KK does possess the knowledge and skills to prepare the Activity Statement Agent will review a satisfactory amount of BKK work based on knowledge, history and a risk-based assessment Agent will ensure that corrective action and feedback is provided where the work is not accurate or complete 4.0: Reputation and Competency When designing the quality assurance process, the Agent will consider the following risks when forming an opinion of BKK s reputation and competency: Inherent risk and materiality o Experience o Complexity of transactions entered o Size of clients transactions Control risk o Use of checklists o Maintaining detailed working papers o Comprehensive procedures o Agent support o Maintaining up to date information and knowledge o Detection risk o Agent will supervise and review including a sample check of BKK s work Page 44 Guidance note produced by

45 o Agent will investigate the original client documentation to verify the workings for the document that was lodged with the Tax Office where appropriate and required BKK will provide Agent with evidence of appropriate knowledge and skills in the following: Knowledge of the tax laws relating to BAS provisions and the Tax Office rulings that support those laws Knowledge of the relevant Tax Office administrative policies and procedures regarding the lodgement of a BAS Knowledge of the relevant procedures and practices on how to complete a BAS from a client s source accounting records Knowledge of software packages used by the Client and experience in their use Attainment of a recognised industry benchmark or membership of a professional bookkeeper association Previous work experience or other competence BKK shall maintain reasonable general liability and/or professional liability insurance. Before beginning to provide services under this Agreement, BKK agrees, if requested, to deliver to tax agent a copy of the policy certificate for professional liability insurance for all officers, agents and employees of BKK and are to be maintained during the performance of this contract. BKK agrees that subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act: Proprietary Information will, for all purposes and at all times, both during and after its contract with Client, be confidential. During and after BKK s agreement with Agent, BSP will hold all Proprietary Information and other confidential information related to the business and affairs of Client which it may learn of or be exposed to, in trust. Engagement Agreed to by Client Client Signature Client Name / Position Date: AGREED AND ACCEPTED BY AGENT Agent signature Agent name Agent number Date: BKK Signature BKK name Date: Guidance note produced by Page 45

46 Contractual Agreement This Agreement is made this DATE Between XYZ Pty Ltd trading as XYZ Bookkeeping. of in the state of (Hereinafter referred to as XYZ ) of the one part and Person of address in the said state (Hereinafter jointly referred to as the Contractor ) of the other part. WHEREAS NOW THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSES that XYZ engages the contractor subject to and upon the Terms and Conditions set out hereunder and defined in the following agreement. 1. Commencement & Review of the Agreement The Contractor shall commence contracting under XYZ as of the date of this agreement being the DATE 2. Duties The duties of the Contractor are as discussed whereby delivering bookkeeping services to varied clients. 3. Oversight and Review The Contractor shall work where and as discussed with the XYZ management. Formal reviews of work performed may happen annually or 6 monthly. Any unsatisfactory work performance shall be discussed and if required notified in writing. Page 46 Guidance note produced by

47 Upon such written notification the matter shall be subject to review on terms as discussed but not longer than 14 days from the date of notification. If the work performance is not improved to the satisfaction of XYZ management following such review period then it shall be considered a failure to work in accordance with the Contractors duties and consequently a breach hereunder. 4. Hours Worked The Contractor shall work their number of hours as discussed and agreed and is able to vary the work hours in relation to other commitments. 5. Remuneration & Terms The XYZ shall pay the Contractor a rate of $ per hour. This rate will change as the market allows or negotiated from time to time. Contractor will issue an invoice to XYZ at the end of each working week and payment of this invoice is subject to payment from the Client. 6. Travel Allowance No travel allowance is included in this agreement 7. Workcover and Professional Indemnity Insurance The Contractor shall be deemed to be a Contractor pursuant to the provisions of the workers compensation legislation from time to time in force in the said state and XYZ shall be responsible for the payment of all Workcover levies and charges in respect of the Contractor. 8. Safety The Contractor undertakes to observe all safety precautions and procedures including the wearing of appropriate clothing and equipment and to do all things necessary and conducive to the conduct of a safe work place. 9. Confidentiality The Contractor acknowledges that they are the recipient of information and knowledge which is confidential to the operation of the work place and that any disclosure of such confidential information may be detrimental to XYZ and/or its clients. Guidance note produced by Page 47

48 The Contractor undertakes that during their engagement with XYZ and thereafter they shall not disclose any information to any other entity concerning the conduct, procedures or operation of the XYZ and/or its clients. Neither shall they take papers, materials or goods or copies of any information from the XYZ and/or its clients work place. In the event of the Contractor taking, copying or in any way dealing with XYZ and/or its clients property, information or knowledge outside of the conduct of their immediate engagement then they shall be deemed to be in breach hereunder and to be liable to immediate dismissal. Where such conduct can be demonstrated to have caused damage to XYZ and/or its clients then XYZ shall be hereby empowered to hold such funds due to the Contractor in respect of same. The Contractor will not retain or duplicate any material or system documentation provided by XYZ without express permission of XYZ. 10. Non-Competition The Contractor irrevocably undertakes: (a) that they shall not utilise information, product knowledge or client knowledge gained from XYZ to engage in their own right, or as a principal or as a Contractor in any activity to the detriment of or in direct competition with XYZ. for a period of one (1) year following the termination of their engagement with XYZ. (b) that they shall not without the express consent of XYZ in any capacity knowingly undertake work for or have any commercial dealings whatsoever with any existing or previous client of XYZ for a period of one year following the termination of their engagement hereunder. (c) that in the event that upon or within one (1) year following the termination of the Contractor any client of XYZ transfers its business from XYZ to any other entity in which the Contractor may be involved the Contractor shall pay to XYZ as agreed liquidated damages a sum equal to two (2) times the gross fees paid by those clients in the previous financial year Page 48 Guidance note produced by

49 11. Personal Grievance/Dispute Settlement In the event of the Contractor having any workplace grievance or dispute they shall immediately advise their supervisor who shall attempt to settle the matter. If the matter remains unsettled then the Contractor may request a representative be present and the matter discussed with the immediate supervisor or with another representative of the employer. If a satisfactory outcome is not achieved the matter shall be submitted to an agreed mediator for the purpose of conciliation of mediation. The parties may agree to the matter being arbitrated but having so agreed subject to any appeal available shall be bound to accept the arbitrators decision. Until the matter is determined work must continue and no party shall be prejudiced as to final settlement by the continuance of work. The parties shall cooperate to expedite these procedures. In the event that the Contractor fails to cooperate in the settlement process then XYZ may at its option and without prejudice to its other remedies herein stand down the Contractors without payment until such time that the dispute be settled. Signed for and on behalf of ) XYZ in the presence of : ) Signed by the Contractor ) in the presence of : ) Guidance note produced by Page 49

50 Additional Requirements from the TPB Upon all BAS AGENTS 1. Professional indemnity insurance Generally, all registered tax and BAS agents are required to have professional indemnity (PI) insurance cover that meets our PI insurance requirement. Overview The Board has the power under the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 (TASA) to require a registered agent to maintain PI insurance. If an agent fails to maintain the PI insurance cover the Board requires, it may be in breach of the Code of Professional Conduct (Code). PI insurance provides cover for agents against claims made by their clients who suffer loss due to negligence by an agent in providing tax agent or BAS service. The Board views this as a strong consumer protection measure that ensures that there is some mechanism to compensate clients. Some agents may not be required to have their own PI insurance policy, such as: registered agents who are employees or contractors of a company registered agent that has a PI insurance policy that covers them, and registered agents who do not charge or receive a fee or other reward for their services. Even if you are not required to have your own PI insurance policy, you still need to notify us of your circumstances, that is that you have cover. Further information from 2. Continuing professional education A key part of the Code of Professional Conduct (Code) is for tax and BAS agents to maintain their knowledge and skills relevant to the tax agent and BAS services they provide. The Board has developed a continuing professional education (CPE) policy to assist agents to meet their obligations under the Code. From 1 July 2012, all registered tax and BAS agents should begin or carry on their CPE in accordance with the Board s policy, which includes maintaining a record of evidence of the CPE they have completed. For agents applying to renew their registration from 1 July 2013 we will ask if they are complying with the Board s CPE policy. Number of hours and CPE period There is a specified minimum number of CPE hours that should be completed over a CPE period. The CPE period for most agents will be three years, which is generally your registration period: If you are registered on or before 1 July 2012, your CPE period will begin on 1 July 2012 and end on the day your registration expires, or is due to expire. If you are registered after 1 July 2012, your CPE period will begin on registration as a registered tax or BAS agent and expire on the day your registration expires, or is due to expire. If your CPE period is for a period other than three years, CPE should be completed on a pro-rata basis. The table below shows the minimum number of CPE hours expected to be undertaken by the various agent types within a standard three year registration period. Registered agent type BAS agents (with or without a condition on registration) Minimum CPE hours over 3 years Minimum hours each year 45 5 Further information and access to relevant CPE: Page 50 Guidance note produced by

51 Benefits of ICB Membership Practical, useable, everyday resources Resources Index - Bookkeepers phone or support Bookkeepers directory to promote your business Forum for bookkeepers by bookkeepers PI Insurance specifically designed for bookkeepers Members ONLY newsletters with bookkeeper relevant news Monthly newsletter for your clients - Bookkeeping ebrief ICBenefits - discount shopping for you Professional Address Professional Name Badge Network Meetings for Bookkeepers Notification of jobs in your area keep your details up to date!! Use of the ICB Crest on your stationery THE BEST website for bookkeeper information Notification of urgent, relevant updates Education and Training for bookkeepers Products and Solutions for your bookkeeping business BAS Agent news and updates Directory of providers of the BAS Agent skill set Special deals for selected Certificate IV providers Guidance note produced by Page 51