BOOKKEEPER V BAS AGENT

Bookkeeper

• Entering data without involvement in or calculation of figures to be included on a client's activity statement
• Coding transactions, tax invoices and transferring data onto a computer program for clients through processes that do NOT require the interpretation or application of a BAS provision.
• Preparing bank reconciliations.

BAS Agent

• Everything that a Bookkeeper can do and but not limited to:
• Coding transactions, tax invoices and transferring data onto a computer program for clients through processes that require the interpretation or application of a   BAS provision
• Confirming figures to be included on a client’s activity statement.
• Completing activity statements on behalf of an entity or instructing the entity which figures to include.
• Business specific training in relation to the use of computerised accounting software 
• Providing advice about or confirming the withholding tax obligations for the employees of a client.
• Services declared to be a BAS service by way of a legislative instrument issued by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB)
• Preparing and providing an income statement that may include reportable fringe benefits amounts and the reportable employer superannuation contributions.
• Registering or providing advice on registration for GST or PAYG withholding.
• Services under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 to   the extent that they relate to a payroll function or payments to contractors.
• Advising about an SGC liability, including calculating the liability and preparing the SGC statement
• Advising about the offsetting of late payments of superannuation contributions against the SGC
• Completing the late payment offset election section of an SGC statement
• Representing a client in their dealings with the ATO relating to the SGC – lodging SGC statements, being an authorised contact relating to SG and SGC, and accessing these accounts in the ATO’s online services for BAS Agents
• Being an authorised contact with the ATO for payment arrangements relating to SGC account
• Being an authorised contact with the ATO for requesting penalty remissions relating to   SGC
• Being an authorised contact for any audit or review activity undertaken by the ATO   relating to SGC
• Determining and reporting the superannuation guarantee shortfall and associated   administrative fees

TAX Agent

• Everything that a BAS Agent can do and but not limited to:
• Advising about claiming of an allowable tax deduction for superannuation contribution
• Advising about superannuation contribution caps and the effect of exceeding those caps
•  Advising on salary sacrificing arrangements and salary packaging
• Advising about fringe benefits tax laws (FBT)

(Adapted from the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers website 2021 https://www.icb.org.au/bas-and-bas-agents/what-is-a-bas-agent/bookkeeper-vs-bas-agent)