Treasury Laws Amendment (Strengthening Accountability for Tax Adviser Misconduct and Other Measures) Bill 2026

Summary

This legislation tightens rules around tax advisers who give bad advice or behave dishonestly, making it easier for the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to penalise or remove them from practice. It amends the Tax Agent Services Act and related tax laws to create stronger accountability measures, including tougher penalties and clearer grounds for disciplinary action against tax agents and BAS agents who engage in misconduct. The change matters because it protects everyday taxpayers and businesses from dodgy advice that could land them in trouble with the ATO, while also cracking down on advisers who cut corners or act unethically.