Logo

ATO linking system takes giant stride into business

The revised procedure will encompass an additional 1.7 million entities from 13 November.

 

 

.

The ATO’s revised client linking system takes a giant step forward in November to take in roughly 1.7 million businesses yet to be encompassed by the rollout.

The expansion, which starts on November 13, applies to all businesses with an ABN except for sole traders and includes companies, trusts, partnerships, not-for-profits and superannuation funds.

 

The six-step procedure, as outlined by the ATO late last year, prompted a storm of protest on social media and angry comments from Accountants Daily readers who described it as a “joke” and “absolutely ridiculous”.

 

Representatives from CA ANZ, CPA Australia and IPA are understood to have pushed for changes to the system but it survived unmodified, the ATO said.

 

“The process will follow the steps used by the 191,000 business entities who have been progressively deployed since 19 June 2022,” an ATO spokesperson said, referring to the initial phases of the rollout which took in big business, multinationals and government entities. 

Outlining the new procedure the ATO said: “Businesses and organisations included in the process will need to nominate their agent before the agent can add them to their client list.”

“They will need to use the new agent nomination feature in Online Services for Business when they:

  • Engage a new tax or BAS agent, or payroll service provider to represent them
  • Provide extra authorisation to their existing authorised agent (for example, the agent begins representing them for a new obligation, such as income tax or a new entity in their group).”

“After your client completes the agent nomination, you’ll have seven calendar days to add them to your client list in Online Services for Agents or your practice software. You won't get an automated notification advising you that your client has completed the nomination. So, make sure you tell your client to let you know.”

Head of policy and advocacy at CPA Australia Elinor Kasapidis acknowledged the ATO’s need to tighten security but said many businesses would struggle with the system.

“Our members are understandably concerned about the extra work it creates for their clients,” she said. “This is especially so for small businesses who have previously relied on their tax agent to do this work for them.”

“Switching to digital systems should make things easier and more efficient, but only if businesses know how to use them. The ATO needs to ensure it provides adequate support to businesses when they begin to navigate this change.”

“We have a diverse society with lots of different needs and accessibility is important. It’s crucial to make sure there are alternatives such as paper and phone-based options for those who require extra support.”

The ATO confirmed it would proceed with the final phases of the rollout, which will take in roughly 800,000 sole traders and more than 15 million individuals.

“We intend to roll out the client-to-agent linking to individuals and sole traders in the future,” an ATO spokesperson said. “We will be consulting with the community before we deploy this tailored solution to them.”

“We have listened to feedback from those entities that have been deployed and we are continuing to enhance the process and provide additional support material.”

Director of 5ways Group accountants Paul Meissner, who was a party to the ATO consultation process on the system, said it was unclear whether the procedure would survive unchanged for the next phase but welcomed the latest expansion despite a few issues.

“As a tax agent, as a small business owner, I don't see what the fuss is about,” he said. “MyGovID is currently being used for tax agents – it’s being expanded.

“The new Online Services for Agents is the accepted platform for agents. Online Services for Business, which is the business version of the portal, is already the accepted contact point for the ATO.”

“The professional bodies are very good at theory and policy. But they don’t have the practical knowledge because they don’t press the buttons every day.”

“Let’s talk about how we can streamline this experience, which the ATO is extremely focused on doing.”

 

 

 

 Philip King
22 September 2023
accountantsdaily.com.au

 

Hot Issues

Disclaimer

The contents hereinafter presented and made accessible on this website are exclusively provided by Advanced Partners, representing general informational materials. The purpose of these materials is solely to serve as guidance and in no case should they be interpreted as counsel or advice on any specific matter.

In using the information provided, you are encouraged to assess its relevance to your individual goals, financial circumstances, and needs. In the event of detailed descriptions of any products being available on this website, you are advised to procure the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) corresponding to said products, and to deliberate on its contents prior to any decision-making.

Advanced Partners extends no assurances or warranties pertaining to uninterrupted, delay-free, error-free, or omission-free operation of the Site, nor its immunity from viruses. Thus, the information is furnished “as is”, bereft of warranties of any kind, express or implied, inclusive of those concerning accuracy, promptness, and completeness.

Advanced Partners and its respective affiliates (be they direct or indirect) renounce all guarantees, obligations, and warranties, be they express or implied, and shall not bear liability for any loss or damage whatsoever (including those resulting from human or computer errors, whether negligent or otherwise, or incidental or consequential losses or damages) that arise from or are connected with any utilization of or reliance on the information or advice on this site. The user must undertake sole responsibility related to the use of the material on this site, regardless of the purpose or the outcomes of such usage. The information available on this website should not be considered a replacement for professional tax advice or consultation.

Our liability is limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

Privacy Policy

Welcome to Advanced Partners (“we,” “our,” or “us”). This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect the personal information of our users and customers in Australia. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and ensuring the security of the information you provide to us. By accessing or using our website, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

1.1. Personal Identifiers: Name, email address, postal address, phone number, date of birth, and other contact details.

1.2. Account Information: Usernames, passwords, and other credentials used to access our website and services.

1.3. Payment Information: Credit card details or other payment information when making purchases on our website.

1.4. Usage Information: Data about how you interact with our website, such as IP address, browser type, pages viewed, and referring URL.

1.5. Communications: Records of your interactions with us, such as customer support inquiries, feedback, or chat logs.

1.6. Cookies and Similar Technologies: We may use cookies and similar technologies to collect information about your browsing activities on our website.

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

2.1. Service Delivery: To provide you with access to our website and deliver the services you request.

2.2. Communication: To send you important updates, newsletters, and promotional materials (if you’ve opted in) related to our website and services.

2.3. Personalization: To tailor our website content and offerings to your preferences and interests.

2.4. Payment Processing: To process payments for products and services you purchase from us.

2.5. Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes.

How We Share Your Information

We may share your personal information with third parties in the following circumstances:

3.1. Service Providers: We may engage trusted service providers to assist us in operating our website and providing services to you, and they may have access to your personal information for that purpose.

3.2. Legal Obligations: We may disclose your information to comply with legal obligations, enforce our Terms of Service, or protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property.

3.3. Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, your personal information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.

3.4. Consent: We may share your information with your consent or as otherwise disclosed at the time of collection.

Your Privacy Rights

4.1. Access and Correction: You have the right to access and correct your personal information held by us.

4.2. Marketing Preferences: You can opt-out of receiving marketing communications from us at any time.

4.3. Cookies: You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is entirely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most recent version will be posted on our website with the updated effective date.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us.

By using our website, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with any part of this policy, please refrain from using our website.

Disclaimer

The contents hereinafter presented and made accessible on this website are exclusively provided by Advanced Partners, representing general informational materials. The purpose of these materials is solely to serve as guidance and in no case should they be interpreted as counsel or advice on any specific matter.

In using the information provided, you are encouraged to assess its relevance to your individual goals, financial circumstances, and needs. In the event of detailed descriptions of any products being available on this website, you are advised to procure the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) corresponding to said products, and to deliberate on its contents prior to any decision-making.

Advanced Partners extends no assurances or warranties pertaining to uninterrupted, delay-free, error-free, or omission-free operation of the Site, nor its immunity from viruses. Thus, the information is furnished “as is”, bereft of warranties of any kind, express or implied, inclusive of those concerning accuracy, promptness, and completeness.

Advanced Partners and its respective affiliates (be they direct or indirect) renounce all guarantees, obligations, and warranties, be they express or implied, and shall not bear liability for any loss or damage whatsoever (including those resulting from human or computer errors, whether negligent or otherwise, or incidental or consequential losses or damages) that arise from or are connected with any utilization of or reliance on the information or advice on this site. The user must undertake sole responsibility related to the use of the material on this site, regardless of the purpose or the outcomes of such usage. The information available on this website should not be considered a replacement for professional tax advice or consultation.

Our liability is limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.