The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) has won their "first civil penalty case" in the Federal Court against an unregistered tax agent, according to Dale Boucher, chair of the board.
Avril Hogan of the Gold Coast was found guilty of failing to register as a tax agent with TPB and providing a tax agent service fee.
Justice Logan of the Federal Court of Australia ruled that Hogan contravened the Tax Agent Services Act 2009, ordering an injunction and a penalty of $30,000.
Hogan made a number of admissions, including that she was unregistered and had lodged at least 150 tax returns for a fee in the 2010 tax year.
Boucher said it sent a clear message to others who plan to charge a fee without registering with the board.
He said the Tax Practitioners Board was determined to investigate and take action to protect consumers against those that fail to comply with the law.
