ATO reveals Business Portal retirement date

At the time of the launch, the ATO said it would continue to maintain the Business Portal over an unspecified timeframe to help businesses transition to the new service after a “challenging” year for the sector.

ATO assistant commissioner Andrew Watson, however, has now confirmed that businesses will need to make the change by the end of July.

“The Business Portal was an advance in its day, but improvements in technology and practical insights from the business community allow us to offer a better experience with Online services for business,” said Mr Watson on a LinkedIn post.

“The Business Portal will be retired at the end of July, so now is the time to make the change for good.”

Businesses and self-managed super fund auditors will now be able to access the new service through their myGovID, with the ATO touting a range of new features on Online services.

The new service will allow business owners to switch between ABNs with a single login, manage payments and create payment plans, and lodge and revise their business activity statements.

Businesses will also be able to view and print tax returns and income tax history, manage their tax registration details and view Single Touch Payroll reports.

The ATO has also sought to assure practitioners that the new online service will not replace the need for their services, with the new platform merely allowing businesses to interact with the ATO in a more contemporary way.

“Online services for business will provide core digital services for clients,” an ATO spokesperson said in April. “It is not a replacement for the professional advisory services provided by tax professionals.”