Online Services for Business replaces the ATO Business Portal
By Paolo, 12.06.2021
After revamping both MyGov and the Tax Agent Portals in the past couple of years, the ATO has recently upgraded the Business Portal with the new Online Services for Businesses (OSB).
Online Services for Business showcases the same look and feel of the other ATO Online systems, giving users a consistent experience across all ATO Platforms.
The ATO initiated the launch with a public beta earlier in the year. During this initial phase, many businesses were involved in the development of the service providing valuable feedback on how to improve the experience of the new Online Portal.
The purpose of the beta was to give a real experience of OSB to Businesses and conduct extensive testing to understand what features Businesses needed to facilitate access to key ATO information.
Online services currently replaces the existing Business Portal and, later in the year, it will also incorporate all the features of the electronic superannuation audit tool (eSAT) which will subsequently retire. The existing Business Portal will be available to Businesses until the end of July 2021. After this time, Businesses will be required to transition to the new Online Services for Business.
“The Business Portal has served us well over the last 17 years, but it’s time to replace it with a much more contemporary service that’s been developed with business so we know they’ll enjoy using it.” Deborah Jenkins (ATO Deputy Commissioner).
Online Services for Business Features
As Online Services is a fully cloud-based solution, it can be accessed from multiple devices including tablets and smartphones.
OSB comprises all the features previously included in the Business Portal. Furthermore, the ATO has added new features including allowing users to switch between ABNs via a single login, lodge Taxable Payment Annual Reports (TPAR), view and print Tax Returns, Income Tax history and Single Touch Payroll reports.
Finally, Business Owners can also schedule Payment Plans for both their Integrated and Income Tax accounts and access a payment plan estimator tool to better manage their payment obligations.
Here’s a list of Online Services’ key features:
- view, prepare, lodge and revise Activity Statements;
- view, prepare, lodge and revise Taxable Payments Annual Reports (TPAR);
- schedule and manage Payment Plans;
- switch between multiple Entities;
- view statements of account and find payment reference number (PRN);
- manage ATO accounts and update tax registration details (for example, add or cancel a role);
- view Single Touch Payroll reports;
- register for GST PAYG withholding;
- access new secure mail subjects;
- access the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House;
- view and print Tax Returns and Income Tax history;
- customise the Home Page.
“OSB has undergone extensive co-design with people in the community, including small business owners, approved self-managed super fund auditors, and other industry professionals. We have received feedback firsthand from those using the system, and made changes based on their recommendations.” Australian Taxation Office
How to use Online Services for Business
The new Online service for business can be accessed at https://onlineservices.ato.gov.au/business/.
In line with the other ATO Online Services, access to OSB is secured via myGovID. Recently myGovID also become the new security access for MyGov.
Businesses, who previously lodged their tax obligations via post and now wish to go online, will have to first set up myGovID and then link it to their businesses and personal profiles using Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM).
Approved SMSF auditors have access to various functions in Online Services for Business depending on the permissions set-up in Access Manager.
As well as incorporating a number of dynamic ‘help prompts” within the new Platform, the ATO has also developed a number of web pages to help users become familiar with Online Services for Business.
We have included links to these pages for your convenience:
“We are here to support businesses through this transition and whilst the new service will ensure an improved experience across a range of services, it is important to note that it is not a replacement for the professional advisory services provided by tax professionals.” Deborah Jenkins (ATO Deputy Commissioner)
For more information about the new Online services for Business, you can visit ato.gov.au/OSB.
Disclaimer
This blog and attached resources are of general nature designed for informational and educational purposes only. They should not be construed as professional financial advice for your individual business. Should you need such advice, consult a licensed financial or tax advisor.
