AUSkey no longer available for use

The Australian Taxation Office has reiterated that each individual who accesses the Business Portal will need their own myGovIDExternal Link.

"The principal authority will need to link their business first. They then authorise each person to work on behalf of their business using RAM," the ATO said in a notice published on its website. 

Agents are being told that using myGovID will give them flexible access to the Business Portal. This accessibility wasn’t available with AUSkey and is expected to assist businesses looking for more flexible working options for their employees.

"We understand some businesses may not have started using myGovID and RAM. This year has been difficult for many people and businesses, with a number of recent events leading to economic and personal challenges," the ATO has advised. 

"New measures and other assistance options are available to support you. Many will require you to access our online services so we encourage you to make the move."

It also announced a number of improvements which will be rolled out soon. 

"We'll let you know when these become available," the ATO confirmed. 

The ATO said last week that over 75 per cent of businesses using AUSkey have already made the necessary move to myGovID, with the adoption rates trending well above ATO forecasts. 

“The overwhelming majority of businesses are setting up myGovID and RAM in less than 15 minutes. Over 80 per cent of applicants are just downloading the myGovID app to their smart device and following the prompts. They don’t even need to look at any other instructions,” ATO chief digital officer John Dardo said at the time. 

He also encouraged practitioners to refrain from panicking, explaining that the ATO will still be there to help them if they need to transition after 27 March. 

However, the Tax Office warned it will not be able to access a range of online services for these businesses after 27 March, until they implement myGovID and RAM.

“We understand that this is a difficult time for many. If you are experiencing difficulties with tax obligations because of bushfires or COVID-19 and not using our online services now, we will support you making the move to myGovID when you’re ready,” Mr Dardo said.