You have 0 free articles left this month.
Register for a free account to access unlimited free content.
Powered by MOMENTUM MEDIA
accountants daily logo

Offshore services still captured by new Aussie laws, tax professionals told

Tax

Firms using offshore service providers - including bookkeeping firms - should be aware that overseas workers will still be subject to new cyber security laws for tax professionals.

By Reporter 8 minute read

Julian Plummer, managing director of Kamino Cyber Security and Midwinter Financial Services said that the Australian data notification laws which are set to receive royal assent in February will also affect offshore administrators or service providers used by Australian firms.

The recently introduced laws specify that all businesses with an annual turnover of $3 million or higher will be required to notify individuals and the regulator (OAIC) when cyber security incidents compromise personal information, Mr Plummer explained. 

Mr Plummer used the common example of an SMSF firm that ships their administration services overseas.

“Any SMSF firms that are using offshore administrators or service providers must also study the obligations closely as the mandatory data breach legislation also impacts overseas-located service providers,” he said.

“So if you've got an SMSF administrator located overseas, and you're offshoring that work, and they get hit by a data breach, you will have to report on behalf of them. That's something that SMSF advisers may not be aware of.”

You can learn more about the new laws and how they apply to you here.

You need to be a member to post comments. Become a member for free today!
You are not authorised to post comments.

Comments will undergo moderation before they get published.

accountants daily logo Newsletter

Receive breaking news directly to your inbox each day.

SUBSCRIBE NOW