Safe Harbour
If you lodge your own BAS then you can get in trouble if there are mistakes or it’s overdue. You might even have to pay fines. If your BAS Agent lodges for you then you are safe. https://www.tpb.gov.au/safe-harbour
BAS Agent Lodgement Program
If you lodge your own then you have to lodge and pay by the due date, but your BAS Agent is a lucky ducky, and gets extra time. https://www.ato.gov.au/tax-professionals/prepare-and-lodge/bas-agent-lodgment-program/
Code of Conduct
Anyone can call themselves a bookkeeper and they don’t have to play by the rules, unlike your BAS Agent; if she isn’t honest, independent, confidential or competent, the TPB have got your back. You can call them anytime if you’re not happy. https://www.tpb.gov.au/comply-code-professional-conduct-for-BAS-agents
Registration Requirements
To get registered a BAS Agents needs to be qualified, and experienced. 1400 hours supervised experience lodging BAS in the past 4 years, a minimum of a Cert IV in bookkeeping, insurance, membership with a professional body and doing ongoing study (CPE) every year. This minimum standard will help you sleep at night. https://www.tpb.gov.au/qualifications-and-experience-bas-agents
Continuing professional education (CPE)
To make sure your BAS Agent knows their stuff, the TPB ask them to study and give evidence that they are keeping their knowledge and skills up to date through taking relevant courses. This means your BAS Agent spends a whopping 45 hours every three-year studying their little heart out about things that would probably make you….zzzzzzz. BAS Agents spend time, money and tonnes of brain-power doing seminars, webinars, workshops, courses and other educational activities like research, writing and presentations. https://searchregister.tpb.gov.au/TPB/Obligations/CPE
That should make you sleep well tonight knowing your BAS Agent has your back!