Important Update: New TPB Code of Professional Conduct Obligations Effective 1 July 2025
June 26, 2025
From 1 July 2025, significant updates to the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) Code of Professional Conduct will come into effect for tax practitioners with 100 or fewer employees. These changes are part of the Tax Agent Services (Code of Professional Conduct) Determination 2024, and are designed to reinforce ethical practices, improve public trust, and enhance the overall integrity of the Australian tax system.
Overview of the Changes
The TPB’s updated Code introduces eight new obligations that aim to:
- Promote greater transparency and accountability
- Increase public confidence in the tax profession
- Strengthen the integrity of the tax system
These obligations build on the existing framework and apply to all registered tax agents operating under the Tax Agent Services Act 2009.
Key New Obligations
Effective 1 July 2025, tax practitioners must comply with the following eight additional professional obligations:
- Upholding and Promoting Ethical Standards
Practitioners must actively promote the ethical standards of the profession. - Avoiding False or Misleading Statements
Making false or misleading statements is strictly prohibited. - Managing Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
Practitioners must handle potential conflicts of interest when engaging in government-related work and uphold strict confidentiality in these dealings. - Proper Record-Keeping
Accurate and complete records of tax agent services must be maintained. - Supervision and Quality Management
Appropriate supervision, competency checks, and quality management systems are now mandatory. - Keeping Clients Informed
Practitioners must keep clients informed about matters that may impact their tax obligations. - Implementing a Quality Management System (QMS)
Companies, partnerships, or trusts must implement a documented QMS tailored to the size and complexity of their practice. - Disclosure of Significant Matters
Practitioners are required to disclose significant client-related matters, such as tax offences or prior convictions.
Client Responsibilities
As a client, your cooperation is vital in ensuring compliant and effective tax outcomes. To support this, we ask that you:
- Provide accurate and complete information in a timely manner
- Inform us of any changes to your personal or business circumstances
- Review all documents and advice, and ask for clarification if anything is unclear
- Retain records and supporting documentation for your tax affairs
Working together helps ensure compliance and the best possible outcome for your situation.
Resources and Support
To better understand your rights and our responsibilities under the new Code, we encourage you to access the following official TPB resources:
- TPB Code of Professional Conduct – Overview of updated obligations
- TPB Fact Sheet – Code of Professional Conduct – A practical summary for clients and practitioners
- TPB Public Register – Verify the registration and status of your tax agent
- TPB Complaints Page – Guidance on raising a concern or lodging a complaint
Our Professional Standing
We are proud to confirm that our firm maintains an exemplary record with the Tax Practitioners Board—no suspensions, restrictions, or disciplinary actions have been recorded against us. Should any such issue ever arise, we are committed to informing you within 30 days.
Our Commitment to You
We are fully aligned with the TPB’s revised Code and remain dedicated to:
- Upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism
- Being transparent and accountable in all our dealings
- Ensuring compliance with all obligations under the Tax Agent Services Act
If you have any questions about how these changes may impact you, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
This summary is based on the TPB’s guidance as of June 2025. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official TPB website.