Why You Should Only Use a Registered Tax Agent
Why you should only use a registered tax agent
If someone prepares or lodges tax returns for a fee, the safest first check is simple: are they a registered tax agent with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB)?
Registration is not just a label. It is a consumer protection framework that sets minimum standards, accountability, and complaint pathways for clients.
1) Only registered tax agents can charge a fee
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) explains that a registered tax agent is the only type of provider who can charge a fee to prepare and lodge a tax return. Registered agents must be listed on the TPB register.
Under the Tax Agent Services Act 2009, it is a civil offence for a person or business to charge a fee or receive a reward for preparing or lodging tax returns, or providing tax agent services, unless they are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board.
If someone is charging a fee while unregistered, this can be reported to the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The TPB maintains a public register and investigates unregistered or unlawful tax agent activity.
TPB – Risks of using unregistered preparers
ATO – Lodge your tax return with a registered tax agent
2) Registration provides consumer protection and accountability
Tax agents must be registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). The TPB regulates tax practitioners and publishes a public register that allows you to confirm registration status.
The TPB register can also show conditions on registration and any public record of sanctions or breaches.
TPB – Public Register (check if your tax agent is registered)
TPB – Finding and using a tax practitioner (consumer guidance)
3) Registered agents can access extended lodgement programs (where eligible)
Many clients use a registered tax agent because, depending on timing and circumstances, registered agents can lodge returns under lodgement programs beyond the standard 31 October deadline.
If you want the practical explanation of how this works, see:
When to lodge your tax return – with your tax agent
4) A registered tax agent helps you lodge accurately and reduce avoidable issues
Using a tax agent is not about aggressive claims. It is about accuracy, correct reporting, and having a process that reduces mistakes and missing information.
If you want supporting reading, these two pages work well alongside this one:
5) How to choose a tax agent (beyond just registration)
Registration is the minimum baseline. Choosing the right tax agent is also about communication, responsiveness, scope, and whether they suit your circumstances.
For a practical checklist, see:
What to look for in a tax agent
If you’re deciding whether it’s worth it at all, see:
Is it worth having a tax agent?
6) What a tax agent can help with beyond the annual return
A registered tax agent may also assist with planning, structuring, dealing with ATO correspondence, record‑keeping and getting overdue work up to date (depending on your needs).
If you want the broader list, see:
How a registered tax agent can help you (beyond lodging)
Getting professional support
If you want a registered tax agent to handle your return properly and explain your position clearly, you can read about our individual tax services here: