How changes to the Business Portal will affect you

Technology and its constant progression is great for business and managing business accounting and financial requirements. However, technology is exactly that – always changing, with many online systems becoming outdated.

How you access the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Business Portal is changing from the end of March 2020.

Read on to find out more on what’s replacing the current access, AUSkey, and how you can be kept in the loop with any online ATO changes with your Gold Coast business accountant, Crest Accountants.

What’s replacing AUSkey and Manage ABN Connections?

AUSkey is/was a dedicated, secure login that identified you when you used government online services on behalf of a business. This and the similar ‘Manage ABN Connections,’ are soon to be no-longer, and replaced with these:

• myGovID

This is the Australian Government’s new digital identity provider which will be used to prove your identity online (this provider has no relation to the existing MyGov service).in You only have to establish your identity once and then you can use your myGovID to access your government services online, thereafter.

• Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM)

This is a brand-new authorisation service introduced by the Australian Government which allows you to link your myGovID and ABN together, and also manage who can act on behalf of your business online.

The replacement services are already live, so you can get the hang of them before the cut-off date.

myGovID and RAM are:

• Easy-to-use,
• Secure,
• Streamlined, and
• Flexible

Manage your business’ tax and superannuation affairs, grants and payroll with the new way to access your online business services. Your Gold Coast Accountant can make sure you’re up-to-speed with the new business technology and help you with any business accounting queries along the way.

A 7-step guide to setting up myGovID and RAM:

1. Make sure your details on the Australian Business Register (ABR) are up-to-date
2. Download the MyGovID app on your smart device
3. Use your identity documents (passport, driver’s license etc) to set up your MyGovID. Remember, the first person to link their MyGovID with RAM needs to be a ‘principal authority’ of the business, such as sole trader, trustee or director (you can then authorise other individuals/employees after that).,
4. Link your ABN to your MyGovID
5. Log in to RAM using your MyGovID
6. Select ‘link your business.’ You’ll need to be listed as a sole trader or eligible associate of this business in the ABR, as point 3 states.
7. Once linked, you can start using RAM to authorise individuals/employees who can act on your behalf.

Still need help with your business and the new digital services?

Your Gold Coast accountant can guide you through the digital processes of your business, and make sure your business is tax compliant with the ATO, too.

Navigating the Business Portal with Crest Accountants

Be accountable for your business, with Crest Accountants.

The only way the changes to AUSkey and accessing the Business Portal will affect you and your business, is through learning and utilising the replacements.

By keeping up-to-date with new digital business technologies and consulting with your Gold Coast accountant for business accounting, there’s nothing to worry about.

Want to know more about the new ATO Business Portal? Contact your Gold Coast Accountant, Crest Accountants today to understand more about taking your business needs online.