How To Find The Right BAS Agent For Your Business

How Do You Find The Right BAS Agent?

Unfortunately, not all BAS agents are created equal.

Some of them are highly trained and experienced, and some aren’t.

Most talk in complex tax jargon, and some take 3-5+ days to respond to your emails.

Some BAS agents are incredible, and some are a bit, well, mediocre. Much like anything in life.

When it comes to your business, you want to make sure you get an expert BAS agent.

You need someone who understands your business and industry (not just tax legislation).

Someone who keeps up to date with the ATO.

If you’re using an old-school accountant stuck in the past, you’re missing out on real-time data and smart tax management.

So let me show you how a forward-thinking BAS agent can transform your taxes and business (and help you outperform your competitors).

What is a BAS Agent?

A BAS agent is a professional accountant or bookkeeper who is registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB).

They can help you manage and lodge Business Activity Statements (BAS) and other GST-related tasks.

In Australia, BAS agents are legally qualified to manage a range of tax services around GST, superannuation, and payroll.

However, they can’t prepare tax returns or advise on tax matters (outside of GST).

BAS agents take care of:

• BAS lodgements
• GST, PAYG withholding, and PAYG instalments
• Payroll management and reporting
• Superannuation obligations
• Managing compliance with the Australian Tax Office (ATO)

When looking for a BAS agent, make sure you find one who is at the top of their game. Someone who is not only a BAS agent, but a techy savvy bookkeeper.

What’s the Difference Between a BAS Agent vs. Tax Agent?

BAS agents and tax agents both handle tax and financial compliance.

However, they differ in the following ways:

1. Scope of Services

• BAS Agents: They specialise in tasks related to your Business Activity Statements and GST. Their expertise includes preparing and lodging BAS, handling PAYG withholding, processing payroll, and helping you with superannuation requirements. They’re usually bookkeepers who process your day-to-day business transactions.

• Tax Agents: Tax agents handle a broader range of tax issues, from preparing income tax returns to advising on more complex tax matters. They can also prepare BAS statements, but generally focus more on tax returns and higher-level tax strategies like tax planning, tax minimisation, and capital gains tax issues. Tax agents cover the entire spectrum of tax compliance beyond BAS requirements.

If you’re wanting someone who knows the ins and outs of your business on the micro level—get a BAS agent. If you want someone to do a holistic review of your business and taxes—get a tax agent. Both have benefits, but tax agents can offer more services suited to your business.

2. Qualifications and Registration

• BAS Agents: BAS agents are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) and must meet specific requirements. They must complete CPE each year in BAS-related areas, so they’re at the forefront of GST and payroll regulations.

• Tax Agents: Like BAS agents, tax agents must also be registered with the TPB, but they require a higher level of qualification (advanced diploma or degree in accounting) and a broader understanding of Australian tax law. They have to specialise and be educated in a wide range of technical tax topics.

3. Pricing

One of the biggest differences between a BAS agent and a tax agent is the pricing structure:

• BAS Agents: BAS agents offer more straightforward, transparent pricing—often with flat fees or affordable monthly retainers (usually around $60-100/hr or $400-800/month). As they focus on regular, ongoing compliance tasks, their services are more budget-friendly, especially for small businesses. You’re only paying for the services you need like BAS, GST, and payroll, which keeps costs down and predictable (and is cheaper than hiring your own staff).

• Tax Agents: Due to their expertise in more complex tax issues, they often charge higher fees. Many tax agents work on an hourly or project-based rate, like for annual tax returns, tax planning, or audits (usually around $200-450/hr or $3,000-6,000 per project). While this can be valuable for complex tax needs, it may not be cost-effective if your primary requirements are BAS lodgements, bookkeeping and GST compliance.

For most businesses, working with a BAS agent can mean lower pricing without compromising on quality. Plus, they can manage your bookkeeping, payroll, and superannuation for you too.

Just make sure your BAS agent is familiar with Xero and other software tools as these can automate your business and reduce costs even further.

4. Which Do You Need?

It really comes down to your personal preference and budget.

BAS agents specialise in bookkeeping and know how to categorise your financial data (which reduces your accounting and tax fees). They’re more involved in the day-to-day running of your business.

You can always have a BAS agent who manages your monthly and quarterly business admin, and a tax agent who does the year end work.

That way, you get two experts who review your data, with each of them finding ways to improve efficiencies in your business.

• BAS Agent: If your main need is managing and lodging your BAS, GST compliance, payroll reporting, or superannuation, a BAS agent is the best fit. They focus on the day-to-day compliance and use the latest tools for easy and smooth lodgements. They can also provide real-time financial insights and are generally more responsive than tax agents.

• Tax Agent: If you’re dealing with more complex tax matters, such as annual income tax returns, tax structuring, or minimisation strategies, a tax agent is the better choice. They’ll help you navigate the complex aspects of the tax system and find ways for you to save on taxes.

But like I said, why not get the best of both worlds?

Both BAS and tax agents have benefits and disadvantags. By using both, you have someone with their finger on the pulse of your operations, and someone else to manage the high-level aspects.

And in business—you need both.

How To Find The Best BAS Agent: What to Look For

Choosing the right BAS agent for your business can make a world of difference in managing your tax and compliance obligations smoothly.

You want someone who is an expert in GST compliance, but also in bookkeeping, super, processes, and automation.

Here’s how to find a BAS agent who checks all the boxes:

1. Check Their Registration and Qualifications

• Make sure they’re registered with the Tax Practitioners Board(TPB): Only registered BAS agents are legally allowed to provide BAS services in Australia. Check their registration status on the TPB website to ensure they’re licensed and up to date (this is super important in the event of a lawsuit, as BAS agents are required to maintain Professional Indemnity insurance).
• Education and Experience: Look for a BAS agent who has with a qualification in bookkeeping or accounting and past experience in the industry (you can look them up on LinkedIn).

2. Industry Experience

• Industry Knowledge: Different industries have unique compliance requirements, so finding a BAS agent familiar with your niche is important. For example, construction, hospitality, and retail each have specific payroll and GST nuances that a specialised BAS agent will understand.
• References and Reviews: Check their Google Maps listing for recent client testimonials or reviews. Read through their website. Check what their background is. Do they feel like a good fit for your business?

3. They Use Modern Accounting Software

It still surprises me how many accountants don’t know how to use Xero properly. Find a BAS agent who loves Xero and tech software. They’ll be an asset to your business:

• Tech-Savvy: Make sure they’re well-versed in bank reconciliations, reporting, and add-on programs in Xero or MYOB (preferably Xero and Hubdoc). Cloud-based platforms improve accuracy, provide real-time insights, and allow you to access your financial data anytime, anywhere.
• Automation and Integration: The best BAS agents use automation to simplify reporting, track expenses, and stay on top of BAS lodgements. Look for someone who knows how to integrate your software with other tools you use (like A2X for Shopify businesses), plus payroll and inventory systems which keeps everything organised.

4. Transparent Pricing and Communication

• Clear, Upfront Pricing: Avoid surprise costs by choosing a BAS agent who offers straightforward pricing. Ask for a monthly retainer or flat fee package to help you budget more accurately. Ask what’s included and make sure you get the most of your services.
• Open Communication: Find a BAS agent who communicates clearly, responds promptly, and explains GST and BAS issues in a simple way. They should be proactive, reminding you about deadlines and updating you on ATO regulations. Bonus points if they find opportunities to improve your cash flow.

5. Personalised Services

• Understanding Your Business Needs: The best BAS agents will tailor their services to your specific needs rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions. They’ll understand your business goals, cash flow challenges, and unique requirements.
• Proactive Advice: Find someone who is more than just a compliance officer—they’re a partner in your business’s financial health. They’re excited to help your business grow. They should offer proactive advice on improving cash flow, reducing costs, managing GST, and improving profitability when possible.

6. Commitment to Compliance and Accuracy

• High Standards for Compliance: A quality BAS agent has a strong reputation for accuracy and meeting deadlines. They’re excellent at staying compliant with ATO regulations, and they regularly review your financial data to make sure it’s accurate.
• Attention to Detail: Look for a BAS agent who is detail-oriented and committed to getting everything right. Even small errors in BAS reporting can lead to ATO penalties, so accuracy is essential.

7. Personality and Instinct

• Personality: It’s important to ask yourself if you’d work well with this person. Do they share the same values of honesty, transparency, and kindness as you? Do they present well? Or are they a little too charasmatic? Make sure their personality aligns with yours and that they have good communication and conflict managment skills.
• Trust Your Instinct: Not all BAS agents are honest, and there are risks involved with hiring any financial consultant (whether they’re a bookkeeper or a tax advisor). Trust your instinct. If something feels off, it probably is. Save yourself a heart attack down the track and hire an honest person.

Where to Find A BAS Agent

• Professional Networks: Reach out to Adventure Tax if you need help finding a BAS agent. We work with the best accountants and bookkeepers in the industry, and can connect you with someone who specialises in your niche or business type.
• Referrals: Reach out to other business owners in your network for recommendations. Personal referrals can provide valuable insight into a BAS agent’s reliability and service quality.
• Online Directories and Reviews: Websites like Google Maps, TPB, or LinkedIn can help you find registered BAS agents in your area. Reading reviews and testimonials will give you a sense of their strengths and reputation.

The right BAS agent will be an asset to your business, not just an expense. If you don’t feel like you’re getting the most out of your current arrangement—it might be time to find someone new to work with.

The Cost of Hiring The Wrong BAS Agent

Having an efficiency, profitable business is everything.

If you’re working with an accountant or bookkeeper who’s stuck in the past, your business is paying the price in more ways than you might realise.

Here are some of the hidden costs of working with an outdated, old-school accountant or BAS agent:

• Missed Opportunities for Deductions and Savings: Accountants who aren’t up-to-date on BAS and GST regulations often overlook deductions or refunds that a BAS agent would catch.
• Delayed Cash Flow Management: Without real-time tracking in Xero or MYOB, accountants can’t give you accurate cash flow predictions, which leaves you rushing to cover unexpected expenses.
• Risk of ATO Penalties: An accountant or BAS agent who isn’t up-to-date is more likely to make mistakes, putting your business at risk for interest and penalties from the ATO.
• Lost Time and Increased Stress: Relying on manual systems and slow responses can create delays in payroll, super, and supplier payments, adding unnecessary stress to your business operations.
• Fraudulent Issues: Financial data is sensitive and high-risk. Be careful with who you work with, and make sure they don’t have access to your banking, staff, or supplier payments (we’ll explore this in-depth later in the article).

The Benefits of Hiring The Right BAS Agent

Working with a high-quality BAS agent can change your life for the better.

Seriously.

Get someone who can take on all the GST, BAS, payroll, and super lodgements.

Someone who can identify cash flow issues and help you cut expenses.

Hire an expert who can do a fantastic job, so that you can focus on building your business and working with your clients.

• Improved Cash Flow: With a BAS agent monitoring your GST and PAYG obligations, you can plan your cash flow more accurately, avoiding sudden expenses and budget shocks.
• Less Stress: Stop worrying about missed deadlines or compliance issues. A great BAS agent will send you reminders to ensure your GST and super is paid on time, every time.
• More Time for Your Business: With a BAS agent handling your tax obligations, you have more time to focus on growing your business and improving processes.
• Reduced Overheads: Many businesses find they save money by using a BAS agent rather than hiring in-house because of clear pricing, time savings, and better tax management.
• Greater Financial Clarity: BAS agents provide regular insights into your business’s finances, helping you make smarter, data-backed decisions.

The Risks of Working With a BAS Agent

While a skilled BAS agent can improve your life by managing your GST, super, and bookkeeping, there are some risks you should be aware of.

Fraud and other errors in staff payroll or supplier payments can cause issues in your business.

I heard a story once about a bookkeeper who created fake supplier invoices and put her own bank details on the ABA file. Then, she sent it off to her client to pay.

The client then sued the accounting firm for not picking up the bookkeeper’s error (even though it wasn’t in their scope of services).

The accountant’s insurance company ended up paying out $700k to the client.

So—it’s important to be careful when working with a BAS agent or any financial consultant.

1. Mitigating the Risk of Fraud

• Segregate Financial Duties: Avoid giving any one person complete control over all financial aspects of your business. You need to stay involved. By segregating duties—such as assigning separate people to manage approvals, payments, and bank reconciliations—you minimise the risk of fraud. Also, don’t give anyone else access to your online banking. It never ends well.
• Regular Financial Reviews: Conduct regular reviews of your BAS agent’s work, including monthly bank reconciliations, expense tracking, and payroll. This helps catch any errors or discrepancies early before they become a big problem.

2. Ensuring Secure Payments to Staff and Suppliers

• Check Payment Details Personally: Always verify the bank account details for staff and supplier payments yourself. As I mentioned above, people can intercept payments by creating fake bank details.
• Verify Changes in Payment Instructions: If you receive a request to change bank details, confirm the change directly with your employee or supplier (either in person or via phone). Cybercriminals frequently use phishing tactics to send fake “change of bank details” emails, which can lead to redirected payments.
• Use Dual Approval for Payments: Enable dual approval for payments wherever possible, requiring at least two people to approve transactions over a set amount. This extra step ensures multiple eyes on every significant payment.
• Check Supplier Invoices: Make sure you have invoices attached to all supplier payments. This helps ensure the validity of the payments. Check the ABN and website details to make sure it’s legitimate.

You work hard to build your business and have a profitable income.

Make sure you protect yourself financially against fraud.

(Note: If you’re a larger company, you might want to work with an auditor to identify any issues).

4. Monitoring Payroll Compliance and Superannuation

• Ensure Correct Superannuation Payments: Incorrect or missed superannuation payments can result in costly penalties and affect employee morale. The ATO doesn’t allow a tax deduction for missed super. Verify that your BAS agent handles superannuation obligations accurately and on time, or check the records personally if you prefer.
• Track Employee Payroll Taxes: Confirm that all payroll taxes, PAYG withholding, and other deductions are handled according to ATO standards. Small mistakes can lead to director penalties and personal liability (even in a company).
• Check Payslips and Payroll Summaries: Review payslips and payroll summaries to ensure accuracy in employee payments. Small errors can add up, and verifying the payroll protects both your business and your employees from issues down the line.

5. Using Technology for Added Security

• Use Secure, Cloud-Based Software: Modern accounting software with built-in security features, like multi-factor authentication, can protect your financial data from cyber threats. Tools like Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks also keep a record of who made changes.
• Monitor User Access Permissions: Grant access to financial systems based on each person’s role. Limit permissions for sensitive information, and regularly review who has access to what.

A modern BAS agent is an investment in the future of your business.

They can make or break your financial success by minimising GST, abd maximising cash flow and profitability.

Let’s get you matched with a BAS agent who can keep your business thriving for years to come.

Want To Know More?

Thinking of hiring a BAS agent but still have questions? Want to outsource your business finances to an expert team of accountants? To find out more, book a free call with me here.

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