Articles
Issued: 26 June 2024
Last modified: 26 June 2024
On 31 May 2024, the Government passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Accountability and Fairness) Act 2024. This Act amends the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 (TASA) and Taxation Administration Act 1953. Key changes include enhancing whistleblower protections and enabling the publication more information on the Public Register.
A summary of relevant changes to the TASA and the Taxation Administration Act 1953 are as follows:
| Amendment | Description | Start date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Extending whistleblower protections | Extends whistleblower protections to eligible whistleblowers who make disclosures to the TPB, as well as disclosures to certain other entities who may support or assist the whistleblower. | 1 July 2024 |
| 2. | Public register changes | Enables publication of additional information that will appear on the Public Register. Details of this additional information is still being finalised by Government. | 1 July 2024 |
| 3. | TPB's investigation powers | Extends the TPB’s investigation periods from 6 months to 24 months. | 1 July 2024 |
| 4. | Information sharing with Treasury | Allows taxation officers and TPB officials to share protected information with Treasury about misconduct arising out of breaches or suspected breaches of confidence by intermediaries engaging with the Commonwealth. | 1 June 2024 |
| 5. | Information sharing with prescribed disciplinary bodies | Allows taxation officers and TPB officials to share protected information with prescribed professional disciplinary bodies to enable them to perform their disciplinary functions. | 1 June 2024 |