We are seeking feedback on draft legislation that would give the Tax Practitioners Board stronger regulatory powers and sanctions.
The draft legislation proposes to:
introduce criminal penalties for unregistered tax return preparers
increase the maximum amounts for civil penalties
allow infringement notices for alleged breaches of some civil penalty provisions
enable enforceable voluntary undertakings
allow contingent and interim suspensions of registration in certain circumstances
introduce new civil penalties for:
breaches of the Code of Professional Conduct by registered tax practitioners
false or misleading statements by unregistered preparers
extend the maximum period before a terminated practitioner can reapply for registration from 5 years to 10 years.
Background
The government announced these reforms in the 2025–26 Budget.
These measures follow previous public consultation on the proposals.
