Requirements and how they affect you
The lodgment program framework promotes a level playing field among registered agents by benchmarking lodgment performance.
The framework recognises agents who have good practice management, lodge electronically and are consistently on time.
On this page:
Who and what will be affected
The framework will be rolled out in two stages:
- The first stage, which started on 1 July 2013, involves registered tax agents and the lodgment of
- tax returns (for all entity types)
- FBT annual returns.
- The second stage will include registered BAS agents and activity statement obligations – consultations on the rollout of the second stage will include registered agents and professional association representatives.
Requirements for income tax
To receive the income tax concessional due dates provided by the lodgment program, as a registered tax agent you must:
- lodge returns electronically (unless there are exceptional circumstances)
- lodge 85% or more of your clients’ current year returns on time.
‘On time’ means returns are received by the lodgment program due date or, when a deferral is granted, the deferred due date.
Requirements for FBT
To receive the FBT concessional lodgment due date of 25 June, as a registered tax agent you must lodge FBT returns electronically.
You are encouraged to lodge 85% or more of your clients’ current year returns on time. ‘On time’ means returns are received by the lodgment program due date or, when a deferral is granted, the deferred due date.
Payment of any FBT return liability remains due by 28 May.
Requirements for new registrants
The lodgment program framework requirements apply to all newly registered tax agents.
Effect on due dates and deferrals
The lodgment program framework does not affect the lodgment program due dates and concessions.
If we review existing lodgment program concessional due dates in the future, we will consult with registered agents through the Lodgment Working Group and professional association representatives. If anything changes, we will provide information to the broader tax practitioner community before the changes come into effect.
Lodgment deferrals continue to be available under the lodgment program to help you manage unexpected or unforeseen circumstances that affect your ability to lodge by the due date. If we have granted a lodgment deferral, we will use the deferred due date to measure on-time lodgment performance.
We are monitoring deferral requests and we will be contacting registered agents who have a high percentage of deferral requests compared to their total client list to ensure they are being used correctly.
See also:
The lodgment program framework promotes a level playing field by differentiating between the lodgment performance of registered agents.