At Accolution, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive financial services to small businesses in Adelaide. As both online bookkeepers and registered BAS agents, we are uniquely positioned to handle all your bookkeeping and BAS needs under one roof. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between a bookkeeper and a BAS agent and why having one provider for both services can be highly beneficial for your business.
What’s the Difference Between Bookkeepers and Registered BAS Agents?
The key difference between bookkeepers and registered BAS agents lies in their qualifications and the scope of their services.
A bookkeeper’s primary responsibility is to manage the day-to-day financial transactions of your business. This includes recording sales and purchases, reconciling bank statements, and managing payroll. Essentially, bookkeepers ensure that all your financial data is accurately recorded and organised.
On the other hand, a BAS agent is a professional registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) and authorised to prepare and lodge Business Activity Statements (BAS) on behalf of businesses. BAS agents must meet specific education and experience requirements and often have more advanced knowledge of tax laws and compliance compared to standard bookkeepers.
Seamless Bookkeeping and BAS Services
At Accolution, we provide both bookkeeping and BAS services, ensuring a seamless and efficient process for our clients. Our bookkeepers handle the groundwork by keeping your financial records up-to-date and accurate. When it comes time to lodge your BAS, our registered BAS agents take over to ensure that the lodgement is precise and compliant with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements.
Services Provided by a Registered BAS Agent
Registered BAS agents provide a range of services beyond just BAS lodgement, including:
- GST compliance and reporting
- PAYG withholding and instalments
- Payroll management and compliance
- Liaising with the ATO on behalf of the business
- Ensuring overall business compliance with tax laws
At Accolution, we understand the importance of accurate and compliant financial management for small businesses. By offering both bookkeeping and registered BAS agent services, we can meet all your financial needs seamlessly. Unlike standard bookkeepers, our team is fully qualified to handle both your bookkeeping and BAS requirements. If you’re looking for a reliable provider to manage your bookkeeping and BAS needs, contact us today to learn how we can support your small business.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can You Lodge BAS Through MyGov?
While it is possible for business owners to lodge their own BAS through the ATO's online services via MyGov, it can be complex and time-consuming. At Accolution, our online BAS agents manage the entire process for you, ensuring accuracy and compliance, and freeing you up to focus on running your business.
What is the Difference Between BAS and PAYG?
Understanding the difference between BAS and PAYG is crucial for small business owners. BAS, or Business Activity Statement, is a report that businesses must lodge to the ATO, detailing their GST, PAYG withholding, and other tax obligations. PAYG withholding, or Pay As You Go Withholding, refers to the system where businesses withhold tax from payments made to employees and contractors and remit these amounts to the ATO. While BAS encompasses various tax obligations, PAYGW specifically refers to the withholding component. For more information on managing BAS for small businesses, contact our team at Accolution.
Are Donations Reportable on BAS?
Donations are another area of confusion for many business owners. Whether donations are reportable on BAS depends on the nature of the donation and the recipient. Generally, donations to registered charities are not included in your BAS. However, this can vary, so it's best to consult with registered BAS agent services to ensure you are reporting correctly. Our experts at Accolution can guide you through this process.
Are ASIC Fees GST-Free or BAS Excluded?
Another common question is whether ASIC fees are GST-free or BAS excluded. Generally, ASIC fees are GST-free, meaning they do not attract GST and should not be included in your BAS calculations. However, it’s essential to consult with a registered BAS agent to ensure correct reporting. This is where BAS outsourcing to Accolution can be beneficial.