The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) has issued a cease-and-desist notice to The Tax Shop (Darwin) Pty Ltd and its director, William Desmond Fong, after receiving community reports the firm continued offering tax agent services despite having their registration terminated.

The TPB said the company had previously breached the Code of Professional Conduct by making false statements, unlawfully accessing, and altering ATO taxpayer records, and failing to account for client refunds held in trust.

In response to the ongoing complaints, the board has also launched an investigation into several registered tax agents believed to be facilitating unregistered preparer activity.  The TPB warned registered practitioners that enabling unregistered individuals to provide services could lead to serious sanctions.

It is imperative to verify and maintain the registration status of everyone involved in preparing or lodging returns under your supervision.  Failure to do so, or turning a blind eye to unregistered operators within your practice, can result in severe professional consequences and damage the reputation and integrity of the profession.

TPB responds to community concerns over unregistered preparer in Darwin | Tax Practitioners Board