ATO to commence ‘field visits’ in myGovID push
The ATO will roll out field visits to tax professionals from next week as it looks to respond to calls for assistance in the transition to myGovID.
AUSkey is set to retire by the end of March, leaving practitioners with less than eight weeks to make the transition to myGovID.
MyGovID will be a new digital identity provider that utilises encryption and cryptographic technology as well as the security features on a device — such as fingerprint, face detection or password — allowing the user to access government online services.
The ATO has now confirmed that from 10 February, it will deploy staff across the country to support tax professionals who need help to make the move to myGovID.
The ATO anticipates visits will take between 45 and 60 minutes and will occur at the premises of tax professionals.
“With the rollout of myGovID underway, we’re planning to support tax professionals who need some assistance to transition from AUSkey to myGovID in the form of field visits,” an ATO spokesperson said.
“Tax professionals can request a visit from us via our online booking system. A link will be sent via email.”
The Tax Office has also planned an outbound telephone campaign which will target tax professionals identified by the ATO who may need assistance to make the transition.
The ATO’s efforts come after concerns have been continually raised by the profession, with the ATO itself identifying several mid-tier firms that may need to be “handheld” through the process.
These new field visits will not cover small businesses, but the ATO has reminded businesses using the Business Portal or the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House to also make the transition from AUSkey to myGovID.
“Late last year, we sent an email to all businesses with an active AUSkey to let them know how to transition and we’ll continue to send emails reminding businesses who have not yet made the change throughout February,” an ATO spokesperson said.
“Our employees will not be targeting businesses through these visits; however, we are covering off on the myGovID transition as part of our regular series of seminars for businesses that we are rolling out, for example, record-keeping essentials.”
