Accountant charged for allegedly authorising the filing of false ASIC forms

Wayne Thomas Fraser, an accountant and tax agent, has been charged for allegedly making or authorising the filing of false or misleading documents with ASIC, contravening section 1308 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Read ASIC’s media release here.

This charge relates to the lodgement of 16 forms in relation to three companies, such as Form 484 appointment and resignation of directors, and Form 205 notification of resolution.

ASIC’s enforcement action here highlights the risks to accountants/tax agents in preparing corporate lodgements. The accountant/tax agent’s responsibility persists despite such forms typically being signed off by the director of the company to certify the accuracy of the information on the form. Accountants/tax agents should undertake sufficient due diligence to ensure that the information in the lodged forms are correct.

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