Michael Sukkar MP

REVIEW OF THE TAX PRACTITIONERS BOARD

THE HON MICHAEL SUKKAR MP
Minister for Housing and Assistant Treasurer

MEDIA RELEASE

27 November 2020

REVIEW OF THE TAX PRACTITIONERS BOARD

The Morrison Government has today released the final report and response to the independent review of the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB).

The Review looked at the effectiveness of the TPB and the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 to ensure tax agent services are provided to the public in accordance with appropriate professional and ethical standards.

Each year around 17 million taxpayers use a tax agent to prepare their returns and an independent, robust and effective TPB is key to upholding confidence and standards in the tax profession.

The Review’s final report made 28 recommendations and the Government supports 20 of the Review recommendations in full, in part or in-principle.

The Government’s response seeks to achieve two main objectives of increasing the independence of the TPB and reducing red tape for the tax profession.

Undertaking additional consultation prior to implementing some of the Review recommendations will allow the Government to further develop options, ensuring the best outcome for tax professionals and taxpayers who rely on their services.

The Government would like to thank the Chair of the Review, Mr Keith James, who was assisted by Mr Neil Earle, for their work. The Government also thanks all parties that made submissions to the Review.

The Government’s full response is available at: https://treasury.gov.au/review/tax-practitioners-board.