The Government is pushing ahead with the removal of the existing AUSkey technology which many businesses (and tax agents) currently use to access online services such as the Business Portal and Australian Business Register.
All existing AUSkeys will be switched off on the 31st March 2020 at which time a myGovID will be required to access all government online services.
The new myGovID (which importantly is different to the existing myGov account you may have) is a more secure way to access the various government online services and prove your identity online. Your myGovID is accessed via an App stored on your smartphone or device and uses the inbuilt security features of your device (e.g. fingerprint or facial recognition) to protect your identity and prevent fraud. Your myGovID is unique to you and cannot be shared by other users.
The Government has setup a dedicated website (https://www.mygovid.gov.au/) with more information on the setup and use of myGovID which we strongly recommend all business owners have a look at.
Once setup, your myGovID can be linked to your business accounts via the Relationship Access Manager (RAM). The Principal Authority (e.g. Public Officer, Registered Trustee, Sole Trader) will need to login to the RAM to link their myGovID to the business records along with any other employees or users that act on behalf of the business.
Registrations for myGovID are open now and we strongly encourage all business clients to attend to their registrations early to avoid being locked out of the Government online services when existing AUSkeys are decommissioned.
If you require any assistance with the myGovID registration please do not hesitate to contact the team here at McPhails.