TPB makes findings against former Western Sydney accountant for providing tax agent services whilst unregistered
Tax Practitioners Board
Mr Peter Ristevski, a Western Sydney accountant whose registration had previously been terminated by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB), was investigated again for providing and advertising tax agent services whilst he was not registered.
The investigation found Mr Ristevski had contravened the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 (TASA) by providing tax agent services unlawfully. TPB Chair, Mr Peter de Cure AM said that ‘this was a complex investigation where Mr Ristevski went to extra lengths to conceal his involvement to ensure that his unlawful activities were undetected’.
Mr Ristevski was found to have:
- Represented clients in their dealings with the Commissioner of Taxation, including lodging income tax returns, and business activity statements using another entity.
- Redirected, or caused the redirection of, tax refunds into accounts that he had sole or joint control over without the client’s knowledge or authority.
- Provided services and tax opinions which supported phoenix-like and creditor defeating arrangements, including to avoid taxation obligations.
- Provided assistance in the backdating of director appointment records to allow for straw directors to be appointed to companies.
- Advertised tax agent services whilst unregistered via social media, including on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Unregistered preparers pose significant risks to clients and the broader community. Registered tax practitioners play an important role in supporting taxpayers and maintaining confidence in the tax profession and tax system. They are required to meet registration requirements under the TASA, and ongoing professional and ethical obligations.
The vast majority of registered tax practitioners work hard to support their clients and comply with these requirements. Taxpayers seeking tax or BAS agent services should ensure they engage a registered practitioner.
The TPB continues to focus on high-risk individuals, and addressing misconduct where it continues even after their registration has been terminated. Mr de Cure said that ‘unregistered preparers can expose clients to significant risks and undermine the integrity of the tax system. The TPB will continue to take appropriate action where unlawful conduct is identified, including where individuals continue to provide services after being removed from the system because of misconduct. Protecting consumers and maintaining confidence in the tax profession and tax system remains a key priority for the TPB’.
The TPB encourages the community to contact the TPB if they are aware of Mr Peter Ristevski continuing to provide tax agent services. The TPB will also be actively monitoring unregistered tax agent activities during this year’s tax time and encourage the community to report any suspected unregistered activity.
The TPB encourages consumers to:
- check the TPB Register before engaging a tax practitioner
- confirm a practitioner is registered for the services they offer before sharing personal or financial information
- be cautious of individuals offering unusually low-cost or informal tax services
- report any suspected unregistered preparers to the TPB.
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