If you’re using AUSkey to login to the ATO or other Government services, there are changes coming in 2020 that you need to know about.
As of March 2020, AUSkey will no longer be able to access government online services.
Instead MyGovID is set to replace the identification process. MyGovID is different to myGov and uses a combination of any two of the following to authenticate your identity:
• Drivers licence
• Passport
• Medicare card
MyGovID is only available as an app on your iPhone or Android device that is running version 7 or higher. This has the potential to be problematic for businesses where users do not have a smartphone or do not want to use their personal device for work. This may also be an issue for businesses that use outsourced staff in a secured work environment where smartphones are not allowed.
One key difference between an AUSKey and MyGovID is that AUSKeys are issued by the business and usually stay under the control of the business. With MyGovID, the individual is granted access to the businesses online systems, using a credential that they own. This means that business will need a robust process for granting and revoking access to their online systems like the Tax Agents Portal as staff come and go.
It is still unclear how MyGovID will work for people who do not have Australian ID. It is rumoured that there will be a system to allow the business owners to vouch for a non-citizen, but this is still developing and there has been no official word on how this will work.
It should be noted that MyGovID can be rolled out gradually, meaning you don’t have to migrate everyone over in one go. The main challenge with implementing MyGovID will be if your name on your ID doesn’t match the name you’ve used with different Government departments or organisations. If this is the case, the data matching process won’t work and won’t be able to authenticate the user.
This will take time to sort out, and the Tax Office will most likely be flooded with queries as the deadline approaches. It is worth starting the rollout of MyGovID over the quieter Christmas and New Year’s break.
If you have any questions or would like to know more, feel free to contact us below.
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