Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Tax BAS Authorisation

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

Tax BAS Authorisation

Client Name:

Business Name (if applicable):

Taxpayer Identification

Social Security Number (SSN):

Employer Identification Number (EIN):

Authorised Agent

Scope of Authorisation

By signing below, the taxpayer authorises the Agent to perform the following acts on behalf of the taxpayer with respect to Business Activity Statements (BAS) and related tax matters. Select the specific authorities granted:

Period of Authorisation

Effective From:

Expires On:

Revocation

This authorisation may be revoked by the taxpayer at any time by providing written notice to the Agent. Revocation does not affect any actions properly taken by the Agent prior to receipt of revocation.

Certification and Declaration

By signing below, I certify, under penalty of perjury, the following:

1. I am authorised to execute this authorisation on behalf of the taxpayer identified above and the information provided on this form is true, correct and complete to the best of my knowledge.

2. I authorise the Agent named herein to obtain tax information, to prepare, to sign and to lodge Business Activity Statements and related amendments, and to receive notices and correspondence related to BAS matters for the period designated above.

3. I understand that this authorisation permits the Agent to communicate with tax authorities on my behalf, and that copies of any documents obtained by the Agent may be provided to me upon request.

4. I acknowledge that this authorisation does not relieve the taxpayer of any obligations to ensure timely and accurate filing and payment of taxes. The Agent is authorised to act within the scope described but remains subject to applicable law and professional obligations.

I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws applicable to the jurisdiction governing this authorisation that the foregoing is true and correct.

Taxpayer Name:

Signature:

Date:

Enter text

What the Tax BAS Authorisation Is and when it's used

The Tax BAS Authorisation is a written authorization that permits a third party to access, prepare, or file business tax statements and related tax records on behalf of a business or individual. In U.S. practice this document clarifies the scope of authority, identifies the parties, and sets effective dates and limits. When executed electronically it must meet the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and applicable state UETA rules to be enforceable; retain an auditable record showing signer identity, consent, and retention capability.

Why a clear Tax BAS Authorisation matters

A precise authorisation prevents disputes, allows preparers to interact with tax agencies, documents consent for e-signing under ESIGN/UETA, and creates an audit trail that supports compliance and reduces processing delays.

Why a clear Tax BAS Authorisation matters

Who typically completes a Tax BAS Authorisation

Organizations and individuals use this form to delegate tax filing and information-access powers to accountants, payroll providers, or tax agents.

  • Small business owners delegating bookkeeping and filing to an accountant
  • Payroll or HR managers authorizing payroll processors to file returns
  • Tax professionals granted access for tax return preparation and agency correspondence

Use this list to identify likely signers and their responsibilities before completing the authorisation to avoid role confusion.

Step-by-step: completing the Tax BAS Authorisation

Follow these steps in order and confirm identity and dates before signing.

  • 01
    1. Identify parties: Enter full legal names for principal and agent.
  • 02
    2. Define scope: Specify which tax statements and years are covered.
  • 03
    3. Set dates: Provide effective and expiration dates in MM/DD/YYYY format.
  • 04
    4. Sign and retain: Sign, add authentication, and save the executed copy securely.

How to configure a digital workflow for the authorisation

Configure authentication, routing, and storage before sending to ensure compliance and an auditable record.

Field Configuration
Authentication Email link or SMS code; use MFA for sensitive access
Routing Signer order and agent acknowledgment settings
Notifications Automatic email copies to principal and agent
Storage Secure encrypted storage with audit trail

Technical considerations for eSigning and submission

Ensure the eSignature platform supports required authentication, audit trails, and document formats before e-executing the authorisation.

  • Authentication: Email, SMS code, KBA
  • Formats: PDF, DOCX, fillable forms
  • Integrations: CRM and cloud storage

Choose a platform that produces an auditable certificate of completion, encrypts data in transit and at rest, and supports retention policies aligned with tax and privacy rules.

Sample eSignature vendor pricing and compliance snapshot

Compare typical starting prices, trial availability, bulk send capability, audit trail, HIPAA support, and envelope caps across common vendors; signNow appears first for parity.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes (premium) Yes Yes Yes Varies
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes (BAA available) Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Key penalties and risks from incorrect authorisations

1099 Filing Penalties: $60–$330 per form (IRC §6721)
Intentional Disregard: $660+ per form no cap
Backup Withholding: 24% withholding for incorrect TIN
I-9 Paperwork: $281–$2,789 per violation
Unauthorized Access: Data breach fines and remediation costs
Invalid Authority: Agency rejection or revoked submissions

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing the authorisation

  • Using an incomplete scope of authority that omits specific tax years or return types, which can prevent filing or agency interactions.
  • Entering an incorrect TIN or name mismatch causing backup withholding or rejection by payers and tax agencies.
  • Failing to choose a clear expiration or revocation process, leaving agents with unintended continuing access.
  • Skipping an audit trail or weak authentication when e-signing, which can undermine enforceability under ESIGN/UETA.

Timing considerations and common deadlines related to tax authorisations

Plan ahead: some authorisations should be in place before payroll runs, vendor payments, or statutory filing dates to avoid delays.

Provide W-9 on Request:

Supply W-9 as requested; no IRS filing deadline

1099-NEC Filing:

Provide authorisation before Jan 31 filings for contractor payments

Individual Tax Return:

April 15 filing may require prior authorisation for preparer access

FBAR Deadline:

April 15 (automatic extension to Oct 15) — ensure access well before date

Payroll Filings:

Place authorisation before payroll submission cycles

Where to send, file, or submit the executed authorisation

Delivery depends on purpose: agent retention, payer needs, or agency access each have different destinations and methods.

  • To the Agent: Provide signed copy to the authorized tax agent or preparer
  • To Payors: Send to payors or vendors requiring tax information or W-9s
  • To Agencies: Submit to tax agencies only if they request or require on-file
  • For Records: Store executed copy securely for audits and verification

Security and compliance elements to include

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest
Audit Trail: Timestamp, IP, action log retained
Authentication: Email, SMS, or stronger MFA options
Privacy: HIPAA BAA available for health-related data
Standards: ESIGN, UETA, 21 CFR Part 11 support
Access Controls: Role-based permissions and SSO options

Practical tips for accurate and efficient completion

Follow these practices to reduce rework, agency rejections, and exposure to penalties.

Confirm identity and TIN before sending
Verify legal names and EINs/SSNs against official documents before creating the authorisation; mismatches commonly trigger withholding or rejection and lengthen processing times for filings.
Limit scope and set clear dates
Define the specific returns, tax years, and actions permitted; narrow authorisations reduce risk of unintended access or disputes with payers and agencies.
Use auditable eSignature workflows
Select an eSignature platform that records authentication method, IP, timestamp, and produces a certificate of completion to support legal validity under ESIGN and UETA.
Document revocation procedures
Specify how to revoke authority and notify payors and agents; include an email address, physical address, and effective revocation date to avoid continued access after termination.

Frequently asked questions about the Tax BAS Authorisation

Answers to common practical and legal questions when preparing, signing, or revoking an authorization.


Need help? Contact support

be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users