There are several common reasons why a tax agent would call the tax office, if some of these reasons can be made available online it would save time for both the tax agent and ATO staff. Suggestions for portal improvements could include: The ability to see, download, and amend the annual payroll summaries and taxable payments summaries lodged by a business (and other uploadable files), ability to make payment arrangements and see active payment arrangements, ability to see the SGC account, and if possible the ability to see super payments made by a business through the super clearing house.
Thanks for your suggestions. The Board understands that the ATO is committed to delivering enhanced online services for tax practitioners and is working towards transitioning current portal functionality to a more stable platform for Tax Time 2018. Further, the Board understands that the ATO is planning to begin testing these new services from November 2017. These online services will enable the following functions for agents:
• Ability to transfer files and view transferred files and their status;
• Ability to make payment plans for specific account types and view existing payment plans;
• View the superannuation guarantee employer account; and
• Link to the small business super clearing house (SBSCH) functionality.
Please let us know if you have further suggestions.