ATO – LET’S TALK DIGITAL

ATO Customer Services – Whole of Government branch (Digital Services)

Speaker – Terry Anne James

What’s New?

Government policy was announced in the digital transformation in the budget in 2015 and theDigital Transformation Office established 1st July 2015. Currently in phase one of the process with the DTO working closely in all government services and created a network working closely with government agencies and the ATO. They have a digital transformation strategy and these will underpin and decide how the transformations are delivered.

In 2015 a blueprint was released called “Reinventing the ATO” this supports the governments deregulation of digital services.

What are some of these initatives that will affect Tax Agents and Bookkeepers?

MyGov

Available for sole traders and tax payers with 21 million online transactions via this self serve service in the 2015-16 period alone.

The Australian Taxation Office will be encouraging EVERYONE to set up their own MyGov account with the introduction of Single Touch Payroll starting 1 July 2018.

Using the MyGov account will mean that employers will no longer need to sent staff Payment Summaries or payslips, as this information can be viewed via your account.

ATO APP

CLICK HERE to find out more

MY DEDUCTIONS TOOL

Allows business and individuals to store information about their deductions, as well as photograph them which can be directly uploaded to the ATO or provided to their tax professionals via due process.

Business viability assessment tool

CLICK HERE

his tool has been designed to help businesses and tax agents to determine whether a business is viable.

VOICE AUTHENTICATION

CLICK HERE

1.6 Million clients are using this service since September 2014, this allows tax payers to verify themselves via their phone. Currently, Tax Professionals are not able to use this service on behalf of their clients, but this is being explored.

These are my current updates that I thought many in small business might be interested in.

I hope that some of these new ATO initiatives help you both personally and in business.

Please let me know if any of the updates proved helpful to you, or if you have any questions by posting below!

Amanda

Amanda Hoffmann is a registered BAS Agent No.18613005, Associate of Finance, Xero & Myob Certified Consultant, a Queensland’s Quickbooks Trainer and works with the ATO on their advisory boards.

She says she is more than just a bookkeeper with experience in real estate investing, social media, podcasting, public speaking and blogging.

Amanda would love to train you to use accounting software, if you need help fixing a messy account or general assistance with automating your administrative duties to save time and money.