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Tax BAS Authority Form

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Tax BAS Authority Form

Use this form to authorize a named agent to access, prepare, lodge or otherwise act on Business Activity Statement (BAS) matters on behalf of the taxpayer named below. Complete all applicable fields. The taxpayer remains legally responsible for tax liabilities and compliance unless specifically relieved by statute.

1. Taxpayer Identifying Information

Taxpayer Name:

2. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

Enter the Taxpayer Identification Number to be used for identification of BAS records. Provide either Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number.

3. Agent / Representative Information

4. Authority Granted (check all that apply)

5. Period of Authorization

This authorization takes effect from and continues until unless earlier revoked in writing by the taxpayer.

6. Limitations, Liability and Revocation

The agent's authority is limited to the matters expressly selected above. The taxpayer acknowledges that the agent may receive and act upon confidential tax information within the scope of the authority granted. The taxpayer remains liable for all taxes, penalties and interest, regardless of any actions taken by the agent. This authorization does not delegate the taxpayer's responsibility to ensure accuracy of filings unless a separate agreement expressly provides otherwise.

To revoke this authorization the taxpayer must sign and deliver written notice of revocation to the responsible tax administration and to the named agent. Revocation does not affect actions taken by the agent prior to receipt of such revocation notice.

7. Certification and Signature

By signing below, I certify, under penalty of perjury and as required by law, the following:

  1. I am authorized to execute this form on behalf of the taxpayer identified above and to grant the requested authority to the named agent.
  2. The information provided on this form is true, correct and complete to the best of my knowledge.
  3. I understand that this authorization permits release of confidential BAS-related information to the named agent and authorizes the agent to perform the acts checked in Section 4.
  4. I acknowledge that execution of this form does not relieve the taxpayer of any obligation to file returns or to pay taxes, interest or penalties when due.
  5. I agree to notify the tax administration and the named agent promptly in writing if this authorization is revoked or if the agent's authority should otherwise be limited.

Taxpayer Name:

Signature:

Date:

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What the Tax BAS Authority Form Is and when it applies

The Tax BAS Authority Form documents a taxpayer's authorization for a third party to prepare, lodge, or access tax-related Business Activity Statement (BAS) records or similar tax filings on the taxpayer's behalf. Although 'BAS' is commonly used in other jurisdictions, this form functions like a tax authorization or agency designation in U.S. practice: it identifies the principal, the authorized agent, the scope of authority, and effective dates. The form is used to delegate filing, receive tax notices, or permit an agent to communicate with tax authorities and payers about returns or information returns.

Why a clear Tax BAS Authority Form matters

A complete, signed authority form creates a documented chain of consent for tax actions, reduces disputes about who may file or receive tax documents, and helps meet IRS and payer requirements when appointing an agent or tax professional.

Why a clear Tax BAS Authority Form matters

Who commonly completes a Tax BAS Authority Form

Ensure the person signing has the legal capacity to delegate authority, and record the scope and expiration of the authorization in writing.

  • Small business owners authorizing an external accountant to submit information returns and communicate with payers.
  • Tax preparers and enrolled agents receiving authority to obtain taxpayer records and file tax forms.
  • Payroll or bookkeeping vendors given limited authority to access and correct payroll tax filings.

Essential parts of a professional Tax BAS Authority Form

A well-constructed form balances clear identification, precise scope, duration, authentication, and a record-retention plan so third-party actions are legally traceable and auditable.

Principal

Full legal name, TIN or EIN, mailing address and contact phone to establish identity and tax account association.

Agent

Agent's legal name, firm, address, EIN/TIN if applicable, and contact information so tax authorities and payers can confirm the representative.

Scope

Explicit description of authorized actions (e.g., file returns, receive copies, sign on behalf) with any limitations or excluded items.

Effective Period

Clear start and end dates, and whether the authorization survives specific filings or tax years.

Signature Block

Signature lines for principal and any witness or notary, plus printed name and date to evidence intent and execution.

Revocation

Instructions for how the principal can revoke authority and how revocation is communicated to agents, payers, and tax agencies.

Required data elements to include on the form

Full Name: Principal's legal name
Tax ID: SSN or EIN
Agent ID: Agent's EIN or PTIN
Scope of Authority: Actions authorized
Effective Dates: Start and end dates
Signature Date: Execution date

Step-by-step: completing and executing the form

Follow a consistent sequence: identify parties, define scope, set dates, sign, and deliver copies to stakeholders and recordkeepers.

  • 01
    1. Identify Parties: Complete full names and TINs for principal and agent.
  • 02
    2. Define Scope: List specific tax actions the agent may perform.
  • 03
    3. Sign and Date: Principal signs, prints name, and dates the form.
  • 04
    4. Deliver Copies: Send copies to agent, payer, and retain for records.

How to configure an online completion workflow

Set up fields, signer order, and authentication in your eSignature platform before sending to reduce rework and ensure legal validity.

Field Configuration
Signature Field Required; signer must apply e-signature
Date Field Auto-fill MM/DD/YYYY on signing
Authentication Email or SMS code per signer
Retention Save signed PDF and audit trail

Where to send or file the completed form

After signing, distribute copies to the agent, any payers requesting authorization, and retain a signed record for compliance and audit.

  • To the Agent: Provide a signed copy for their records.
  • To Payers: Send when requested to avoid backup withholding.
  • To Tax Authority: File only if required by agency or payer.
  • Retain Locally: Keep signed copy per retention policy.

Digital signing and platform considerations

Retain the signed PDF plus the platform's audit trail showing signer attribution, timestamps, and IP addresses for evidentiary support.

  • File Formats: PDF and Word DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or advanced options

Timing, related tax deadlines, and when to provide the form

Provide the authority to an agent as soon as they need to act on your behalf; some obligations require authorization before filing, others on request by a payer.

Provide on Request:

Give to payers or agents when they request tax authorization.

Before Filing:

Deliver authority before the agent files returns for you.

W-9 Context:

W-9 is provided upon request; no fixed IRS due date.

1099 Deadlines:

1099-NEC due to recipients and IRS by Jan 31 each year.

Individual Return:

Form 1040 due April 15; extensions require Form 4868.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing the form

  • Failing to provide exact legal names and TINs, which prevents verification and can trigger backup withholding or rejection by payers.
  • Leaving scope vague or open-ended, allowing agents to act outside principal expectations and creating audit exposure.
  • Not specifying effective and expiration dates, resulting in disputes over whether the agent retained authority for a given filing.
  • Failing to retain a signed copy with an audit trail, making it difficult to prove consent or the signing sequence during disputes.

Penalties and risks if the authorization is incorrect or incomplete

Incorrect TIN: Backup withholding 24%
Late 1099: $60–$330 per form
Intentional Disregard: $660+ per form
I-9 Paperwork: $281–$2,789 per violation
Misuse of Authority: Civil liability or tax assessment
Missing Audit Trail: Increased risk in disputes

eSignature vendor comparison for signing Tax BAS Authority Forms

Compare core cost and capability dimensions when selecting an eSignature provider for tax authorizations; signNow is listed first per platform comparisons.

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 vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Real-world examples of authority forms in practice

Practical use cases show how completed authority forms reduce friction between principals, agents, and payers in routine tax workflows.

Optica Ventures (COO)

Optica used an authorization form to delegate tax filings to a contracted accountant, speeding approvals.

  • The agent received access to 1099s and payment records.
  • The signed form provided a clear audit trail and reduced follow-up requests from payers, improving filing accuracy and record retrieval for future audits.

Fertility Centers of Illinois (Founder)

The clinic authorized an external payroll vendor to manage information returns and 1099 distribution.

  • Vendor accessed payroll 1099s only.
  • The form limited scope and required HIPAA-safe handling where payroll information overlapped with protected health-related employment data, preserving compliance and continuity.

Frequently asked questions about the Tax BAS Authority Form

Answers to common questions about execution, delivery, eSigning, and recordkeeping help avoid routine problems and compliance gaps.


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