Investigation Reveals Multiple Violations
Peter Ristevski, a former Western Sydney accountant, was found by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) to have illegally provided tax agent services while unregistered. The TPB announced the findings on 1st June 2026.
During the investigation, Mr Ristevski was found to have violated the Tax Agent Services Act 2009. He went to great lengths to conceal his involvement in unlawful activities, including lodging tax returns and business activity statements for clients without proper registration.
In addition, Mr Ristevski redirected tax refunds into accounts under his control and facilitated phoenix-like arrangements to avoid tax obligations. He advertised these unregistered tax services on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
TPB Chair Peter de Cure AM remarked, “This was a complex investigation where Mr Ristevski went to extra lengths to conceal his involvement to ensure that his unlawful activities were undetected.”
Risks and TPB’s Response
Unregistered preparers pose significant risks to the community and the integrity of the tax system. According to TPB Chair Peter de Cure AM, the board will continue to take action against those who provide services after their registration has been terminated.
Consumers should verify the TPB Register before hiring tax practitioners to ensure they are registered for the services they offer. This tax season, the TPB is actively monitoring unregistered activities and encourages the public to report any suspected cases.
Mr Ristevski’s actions included redirecting or causing the redirection of tax refunds into accounts he controlled without clients’ knowledge or authority. He also provided assistance in the backdating of director appointment records to allow for straw directors to be appointed to companies.
Protecting consumers and maintaining confidence in the tax profession remain key priorities for the TPB. The community is encouraged to report any ongoing tax services provided by Mr Ristevski.
The TPB continues to focus on high-risk individuals and addressing misconduct, particularly where it persists after registration termination. Mr de Cure emphasised, “Unregistered preparers can expose clients to significant risks and undermine the integrity of the tax system.”
Active monitoring of unregistered tax agent activities will continue during this year’s tax time. The TPB encourages consumers to report any suspected unregistered activity.
The TPB urges the community to contact them if they are aware of Mr Peter Ristevski continuing to provide tax agent services. The TPB will be actively monitoring unregistered tax agent activities during this year’s tax time and encourages the community to report any suspected unregistered activity.
