Recently the ATO announced changes that impact your requirements for taking on new clients from 1 July 2021
ChangeGPS Engage keeps you compliant with a brand new visual identity feature - making your life so much easier!
The ChangeGPS Engage App now has a brand new feature which is ideal for individual clients and citing of one form of ID (eg. Drivers License) see how it works.
ATO Guidelines on who you need to verify
The ATO do not expect you to go back and verify your entire client base. Instead, they are asking that you perform identity checks from this point on for:
- all new clients including representatives of new clients
- new representatives of existing clients
- existing clients where you have concerns the client may not be who they say they are.
Please review the ATO's Proposed Transition to strengthening client verification guidelines
ATO Guidelines on valid ID types
In order to avoid errors and help stamp-out tax fraud through identity crime, it is important you take steps to check the true identity of individuals asking you to act on their behalf.
For new clients that attend your premises (face-to-face):
The following documents can be used as at least one piece of current photo identification, including
- passport (including an overseas passport with evidence of Australian immigration status)
- drivers licence
- government or student identity card, if applicable.
For more information please read and follow the ATO guidelines.
Online interactions with new clients:
An increasing number of agents are accepting new clients from online channels rather than those clients coming to their premises. There is a heightened risk for you dealing with information in an online environment, particularly with clients you have not physically met. For any online or electronic transaction, you still need to take appropriate steps to be satisfied that the:
- client is a genuine taxpayer
- client is who they say they are and the identity has not been stolen
- information they are providing to you is correct and can be substantiated.
For more information please read and follow the ATO guidelines.
ChangeGPS Engage keeps you compliant with a brand new feature visual identity features - making your life so much easier!
The ChangeGPS Engage App now has a brand new feature which is ideal for individual clients and citing of one form of ID (eg. Drivers License) - learn more...