Understanding Your Rights and Our Responsibilities as Your Tax Agent
At Hood Sweeney we take our role as registered tax agents seriously. Our commitment to ethical conduct, transparency, and regulatory compliance is central to how we support our clients across Australia.
From 1 July 2025, updates to the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 (TASA) and the Code of Professional Conduct will come into effect. These changes, introduced by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB), aim to strengthen professional standards and ensure greater clarity in how tax services are delivered.
What’s Changing and What It Means for You
While many of these updates formalise practices we already follow, there are a few key changes you may notice:
Proactive Communication
We’re now required to formally notify you if anything arises that may significantly affect the scope of services we’re providing. This reinforces our commitment to keeping you informed.
Stronger Documentation
You may be asked to provide more detailed supporting documentation for claims, deductions, or transactions. These requests help us meet strengthened compliance requirements and protect your position in the event of an ATO review.
Client Conduct Obligations
Under the updated Code, we are required to disengage from clients who knowingly provide false or misleading information or refuse to comply with tax laws. This aligns with our ethical standards and reinforces trust in the profession.
Our Professional Standards
As registered tax agents, we are bound by the Code of Professional Conduct, which outlines five key areas of responsibility:
Honesty and Integrity
Independence
Confidentiality
Competence
Other Responsibilities, including:
Timeliness
Reasonable Care
Supervision
Correcting Mistakes
Transparency and Disclosure
We are required to inform clients of any prescribed events under the Code. As of 1 January 2025, no such events have occurred within Hood Sweeney entities. Should any event occur after this date, we will disclose it within 30 days.
You can verify our registration and view any conditions via the TPB Public Register.
Your Rights as a Client
You have the right to raise concerns or make a complaint about our services. While we strive to resolve issues directly and promptly, you also have the option to lodge a complaint with the TPB. Learn more about the process here.
Our Commitment
At Hood Sweeney, compliance with the Code of Professional Conduct is not just a legal requirement, it’s a reflection of our values. We’re here to support you with care, and professionalism through every stage of your financial journey.