The ATO have been working directly with digital service providers to support the move to digital-only communication;
Accounting practices should prepare now by reviewing processes and implementing automated technology;
Australian-based platform, ATOmate, provides a comprehensive, automated solution to ATO document management.
You’ll no doubt recall earlier this year that the ATO had to quickly revert its decision to stop issuing paper instalment notices after the December 2020 quarter, when the swift switch to a “digital only” delivery method of the instalment notices left many advisers in the dark and unaware of where, when, and how to access their client correspondence.
Since then, however, the ATO has reignited its shift to paperless communication with a new rigor and more consultative approach. Based on practitioner feedback following the recent instalment notice decision, the ATO have been working closely with a group of Digital Service Providers (DSP’s) to develop a range of solutions that overcome the hurdles of moving to digital-only communications with advisers and clients.
Of course, the shift towards digital communication is not new for the ATO, and the industry has been patiently watching the transformation from the sidelines: from the introduction of myGov and new communication preferences and options, through to utilizing text messages and most recently navigating the changes to instalment notices. Covid-19 has also reiterated the need for the ATO and practitioners alike to transition to digital communication.
The key for practices however is that the rate of change is, well, changing. The ATO are now moving quickly to enable a truly digital communication channel for advisers and clients.
How should your practice prepare for the ATO’s shift to digital client communication?
For practices, it means that it’s time to finally get off the sidelines and ensure they’re ready the next time the ATO “make the switch” by reviewing communication preferences across your client base, and implementing technology solutions that will help the transition.
Australian-based robotic processing automation platform ATOmate is one of the approved digital service providers working closely with the ATO to support the digital transformation, developing an integrated solution to overcome the hurdles that the communication changes present.
With comprehensive practice and document management integrations designed to leverage a practice’s existing technology, ATOmate automatically sorts, processes, reviews, and distributes ATO correspondence to clients, with minimal input needed by accounting advisers and administration teams.
A comprehensive solution to ATO document management
The platform reduces ATO document processing time by over 90%, streamlining the management of ATO documentation and removing the potential for human error by automatically redacting personal TFN data, and flagging discrepancies.
Stan Corner, CEO of Business Automation Works, the company behind ATOmate, says the coming months will be important for practices to prepare themselves for the ATOs next update to digital communication.
“The ATO has committed to change, so it’s time to get set and implement the processes and solutions that will ensure your practice is ready for that switch to digital communication with minimal disruption to your team members, and most importantly – to your clients,” Mr Corner says.
“That’s why we’re very excited to have been working with the ATO to make it even easier for accountants to receive, process, and distribute those important client notifications in the most effective way possible,” Mr Corner says.
Direct integration to ATO data gives time back to your team
Business Automation Works have been working closely with the ATO to create a fully compliant and certified integration that dramatically streamlines the ATO document management process. The newly released integration automatically downloads all ATO correspondence electronically, processing the documents seamlessly behind the scenes, cross checking data from the practice management system, and then presenting those documents within the smart and easy-to-use cloud-based dashboard for your team to check discrepancies where needed or simply approve and send on to the clients.
The integration is a significant win for accounting practices – not only will they save time spent opening and processing mail, but ATOmate enables them to quickly and easily access and process client correspondence daily with high confidence in the accuracy of outcomes.
To see ATOmate in action, click here to book a discovery meeting.
With over 25 years of experience in the technology industry, Stan’s professional focus has been on building high-performance teams and leading organisational change through operational efficiency.
Stan is passionate about assisting businesses to reach their full potential through the delivery of automated processes, supporting them to achieve smarter and innovative outcomes for stakeholders and greater productivity and job satisfaction across their teams.
Most recently, Stan has enjoyed working closely with professional services businesses to implement technological transformation projects and automate their key business processes.
BAW is an innovative company that provides automation solutions to businesses including accountants, property managers and the manufacturing industry.
The company’s automation solutions allow business managers, partners, IT managers and staff to refocus their attention away from tedious, time-consuming tasks towards value-added outcomes, such as managing and maintaining client relationships and engagement.
BAW’s flagship product, ATOmate, is designed to automate the processing, reviewing, and distribution of ATO correspondence. ATOmate integrates with a range of market-leading practice and document management platforms, helping accountants reduce their ATO document processing time by 90%.
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