ATO says that as a Tax agent, it is your obligation to ascertain that a client is a genuine taxpayer and that they are who they say they are?

The TPB Code of Conduct does not specifically provide guidelines around verifying a person’s identity, however it is becoming increasingly important to know your client and perform an identity check in order to minimize the chance of identity fraud and cybercrime. This applies especially to new clients, but you are within your rights to perform an identity check for existing clients if you notice unusual changes or transactions.

It is the obligation of a registered Tax or BAS agent to ascertain that a new client is a genuine taxpayer and that they are who they say they are. 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.

What proof of identity checks you have to make are available on the ATO website click here to read further. 

We have a solution for you - Digital signatures and Identity verification

Digital Signature will change your life and the way you do business. Trustdeed.com.au has just built a digital signature platform   where you can digitally sign and get taxpayers to sign Income Tax Return & check identity of the client much faster and safer online while you work remotely.

With www.justsign.com.au, you can authenticate your client's identity by simply asking him to upload his valid photo identification, before digitally signing a document. It further secures your client's authentication, as every financial statement or income tax return you send for digital signature, needs to be accessed by entering an One Time Password (just like a bank) which goes to your client's registered email id and mobile number. 

 Click here to download presentation on how justsign.com.au can help you to digitally sign income tax returns of your clients and save your time and money. OR

Click here and watch a short video 

How to Start using digital signatures 

You can subscribe to justsign.com.au by either-

• Creating a Free account to send and sign 10 documents free of charge - click here to create a free account. 
• Buy justsign.com.au subscription once the free account is exhausted Click here for all the features of the website and see our prices.
• Get a complimentary 1-year subscription to justsign.com.au and send unlimited documents for e-signatures & SMS to your clients by purchasing vouchers on www.trustdeed.com.au. Click here to buy vouchers

For further assistance, please feel free to contact us on +61 02 9684 4199 or email jb@trustdeed.com.au.

Last Chance to book a seat for FREE WEBINAR  

Topic: Downsizer Contributions - Should Trustees consider them ?

Downsizing your home and contributing to super is a very important strategy However, if not correctly implemented, trustees can breach the rules.

Manoj in this event will unmask the complicated eligibility rules and show the benefits to downsizer contributions + a new Bonus Non- Concessional Contribution which is NOT tested to your non-concessional cap amount.

When: 24th August 2021

Time: 2.00 PM To 3.00 PM (AEST)

How to Book: https://www.trustdeed.com.au/onlinereg/bookwebinar.aspx 

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