What is the difference between Bookkeepers & Registered BAS Agents

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What is the difference between Bookkeepers
Registered BAS Agents
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• When you are running a fast growing business, you
  need to be able to trust the numbers you are
  using to make decisions. If you are looking to
  outsource your financials, you have 2 options a
  bookkeeper or a BAS agent. Very few people
  understand the difference between a bookkeeper
  and a BAS Agent, so we will address their
  differences and similarities and how it will
  impact your business.

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• Bookkeeper
• A bookkeepers role is generally bound to data
  entry. Youre likely to have used a bookkeeper
  for your business needs already if your
  transaction volume is growing. A bookkeeper is
  generally self taught in programs like MYOB or
  Xero, and has generally migrated to this role
  from a generic business administration role. Some
  diligent bookkeepers have done some formal
  training, like a Certificate IV to understand the
  basics of accounting, but there is no regulation
  or requirement for training when calling yourself
  a bookkeeper in Australia.

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• BAS Agents
• A Registered BAS Agent is a professional with the
  ability to handle all bookkeeping
  responsibilities while flying an important flag
  of differentiation. They must meet certain
  qualifications and follow strict professional
  guidelines, regular training courses and hold
  Professional Indemnity Insurance that keeps them
  (and their clients) protected from liability for
  any mistakes made during their work hours or
  accidents resulting thereof.

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• Differences
• What is the difference between a bookkeeper and a
  BAS Agent? A simple answer would be that
  Bookkeepers handle a few tasks while BAS agents
  are able to carry a heavier load. Registered BAS
  Agents provide their business clients with much
  more clout when it comes to the ATO than
  bookkeepers do. But this isnt quite accurate
  enough for what constitutes the bigger picture.

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• Bookkeepers can perform some of these functions,
  but theyre limited in capacity whereas
  registered BAS agents have much stronger
  abilities which allow them to assist their
  employers with various matters things even
  employees may not do without permission or
  supervision from management.

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• A bookkeeper is not required to be registered
  with the Tax practitioners board (TPB) a BAS
  agent must be registered by TPB and There are
  severe penalties for anyone providing BAS
  services for a fee or reward or advertising BAS
  services while unregistered.
• A bookkeeper can only perform everyday
  bookkeeping for work for their employer, whereas
  a BAS agent working out or advising about
  liabilities, obligations, or entitlements of
  clients under a BAS provision, or representing a
  client in their dealings with the Commissioner of
  Taxation in relation to a BAS provision.

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• Bookkeepers are engaged to look after the data
  entry and run a few reports that summarise this
  data and thats pretty much it. Registered BAS
  agents, however, can represent, advise, or assist
  their employer with certain matters things
  bookkeepers are not allowed to do. These include
  GST, wine taxes, fuel taxes, luxury car taxes,
  FBT payments, all aspects of payroll relating to
  withholding tax amounts and reporting those
  amounts to the Tax office, any other PAYG
  withholding amounts, and all aspects of income
  tax payments via PAYG instalments. If your
  business requires representation to the Tax
  office on these matters, a BAS agent is required.
  Bookkeepers simply wont do.

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• Similarities
• Bookkeepers and BAS agents are both essential for
  maintaining your accounting records. They report
  on the state of business finances while ensuring
  that books stay balanced appropriately, provide
  you with financial statements. Both BAS agents
  and experienced bookkeepers can interpret the
  financial situations of their business and help
  you, the owner, make business decisions based on
  their conclusions. Their work helps you know if
  your business is succeeding or if it requires
  taking a new direction to get back on track.

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• One similarity between bookkeepers and BAS agents
  is that they should be able to help you
  streamline the financial processes within your
  business.
• If you need information on registered BAS agents
  or need quality accounting from one then
  dont hesitate to contact iKeep Bookkeeping. Wed
  be happy to help you with any of your Bookkeeping
  and BAS agent needs.