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Tax and BAS agent portals set to shut down by March 2020

Technology

The Tax Office will likely halt access to the current tax and BAS agent portals by the first quarter of next year as it implements a new authentication process that will see AUSkey phased out.

By Jotham Lian 11 minute read

Speaking on an ATO webcast, assistant commissioner Colin Walker said that with AUSkey set to be replaced by myGovID and the Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) in March 2020, access to the portals will likely also end by then.

myGovID will be a new digital identity provider that utilises the security features on a user’s device, such as fingerprint or face, allowing the user to access government online services.

Despite sharing the name with myGov, it is distinct from it.

RAM is a new authorisation solution currently being trialled, and it will allow individuals and businesses to manage authorisations and give others authority to act on behalf of them when interacting with government online services.

“To be very honest, due to the fact that AUSkey will cease to operate in March 2020, and the only authentication process that is available for the portals is an AUSkey, once we move past that March 2020 period, you won’t have access,” Mr Walker said.

“The myGovID, which is the replacement, works with online services for agents, as does AUSkey. So, I would say that is the date you need to be looking for, but make the move as soon as possible. There are some wonderful things there that we don’t give you in portals, including TPAR.”

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With the new financial year set to begin, Mr Walker said it was imperative that agents began transitioning to online services for agents to familiarise themselves ahead of the phase-out of the portals.

“It is important that this year you start to focus and look at going into online services for agents. Use the new services; it’s a much better way of doing things. There are you can do debt arrangements, for example, online through that system,” Mr Walker said.

“Use it, today. Try and slowly develop your way through the process, so that by the time you get to the end of the year, you are okay with the whole thing. If you need assistance, there is some great information on the website. So, I encourage people to make that move today and as soon as possible.”

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Jotham Lian

Jotham Lian

AUTHOR

Jotham Lian is the editor of Accountants Daily, the leading source of breaking news, analysis and insight for Australian accounting professionals.

Before joining the team in 2017, Jotham wrote for a range of national mastheads including the Sydney Morning Herald, and Channel NewsAsia.

You can email Jotham at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

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