Tag: BAS

  • Replace AUSkey with myGovID and RAM for SapphireOne Government Services

    Replace AUSkey with myGovID and RAM for SapphireOne Government Services

    replacing AUSKey to myGovID

    AUSkey was officially replaced by myGovID and Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) at 11:59 pm AEDT on Friday 27 March 2020. Together, these services provide a more secure, flexible, and modern way to access Australian Government online services.

    myGovID is a digital identity used to prove who you are online, while RAM allows businesses to manage who is authorised to act on their behalf when accessing government services.

    Important notice for SapphireOne users

    If you use SapphireOne ERP to lodge:

    • Single Touch Payroll (STP), or
    • Business Activity Statements (BAS) via Standard Business Reporting (SBR)

    you must replace AUSkey with myGovID and RAM.

    Failure to complete this transition before the deadline will prevent access to these services through SapphireOne.

    Step 1: Set up myGovID

    If you already have a myGovID, you can proceed to Step 2. Otherwise, complete the following:

    1. Download the myGovID app from the App Store or Google Play
    2. Create your myGovID using an email address
    3. Verify your email as prompted
    4. Achieve Standard identity strength by verifying two identity documents (for example, passport and driver licence)
    5. Scan your documents or enter the details manually

    Once set up, myGovID is ready to use.

    When logging in on a Windows PC or Mac using a browser (Safari, Chrome, or Firefox):

    • A 4-digit code will be sent to your myGovID app
    • Enter the code or tap Accept in the app to complete the login securely

    Step 2: Set up Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM)

    To use RAM, the principal authority for the business must:

    • Have an active myGovID
    • Link their myGovID to the business ABN in RAM

    Once linked, the principal authority can:

    • Authorise employees or agents to act on behalf of the business
    • Manage and revoke authorisations as required

    You can:

    • Link your business
    • View and manage authorisations
    • Accept authorisation requests
    • Manage machine credentials

    Access RAM at: authorisationmanager.gov.au

    Step 3: Create a machine credential

    Machine credentials allow businesses and registered agents to interact with Australian Taxation Office online services using SBR-enabled software such as SapphireOne. They replace the function previously performed by Administrator or Standard AUSkeys.

    Before creating a machine credential:

    • Install the required browser extension
    • Supported browsers:
      • Windows: Chrome, Firefox
      • macOS: Chrome, Firefox

    Creating the machine credential:

    • Log in to authorisationmanager.gov.au using Chrome or Firefox
    • Select Log in with myGovID
    • Enter the email address linked to your myGovID
    • Approve the login in the myGovID app using the 4-digit code
    • Select View or manage authorisations, machine credentials and cloud software notifications
    • Choose the entity you are acting on behalf of
    • Open the Manage credentials tab
    • Select Create machine credential
    • Enter the following:
      • Keystore path (pre-filled, can be changed)
      • Keystore password (minimum 10 characters, mixed case, number, punctuation, no spaces)
      • Credential name (to help identify it later)
    • Confirm the details and select Download
    • Finish the process

    You can now create, view, revoke, or claim machine credentials for the entity.

    Uploading the machine credential into SapphireOne

    To complete the setup in SapphireOne:

    • Go to Utilities Mode > Utilities Controls > Utilities Controls Inquiries > Utilities Controls Company (Control Accounts Page)
    • Select and modify the relevant company
    • From the page drop-down menu, choose More Details
    • Locate the SBR section
    • Upload the downloaded Keystore file
    • Save the record

    Once uploaded, SapphireOne is ready to lodge STP and BAS using the new myGovID and RAM framework.

    Replacing AUSkey with myGovID and RAM ensures continued, secure access to government services through SapphireOne while aligning with current Australian Government digital identity standards.tore file. Upload the Machine Credential file you have downloaded from authorisationmanager.gov.au and you will be ready to go.

  • ATO AUSkey Retirement and What SapphireOne Users Must Do

    ATO AUSkey Retirement and What SapphireOne Users Must Do

    Your AUSkey will retire in March 2020 and will be replaced with myGovID.

    Your AUSkey will retire in March 2020 and will be replaced with myGovID

    At the end of March 2020 your AUSkey will no longer be valid and will be replaced with your myGovID. Your myGovID can be managed using the ATO’s Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) –  This will allow you to link your myGovID to your ABN and manage who can act on behalf of your business online.

    You can already use myGovID and RAM for some participating government online services. This will extend to more government online services that use AUSkey or Manage ABN Connections.

    Before you can submit a Single Touch Payroll event (STP) or submit a Business Activity Statement (BAS) through Standard Business Reporting (SBR), your AUSkey will need to be replaced by new machine credentials which are a component of the Machine to Machine (M2M) authentication solution.

    Please click on the link below which explains how to create the machine credentials in the ATO Relationship Authorisation Manager which includes the steps you need to complete and details on installing the browser extension. There are several links to videos which will guide you through the process. 

    Business Software User Or Provider

    Machine credentials

    The machine credential is installed on your computer and facilitates you to interact with the ATO online services through SapphireOne.

    The Machine credentials are created in the Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) and replaces the AUSkey.
    You will need to download and install the application plugin (Machine credential download/browser extension) compatible with your computer’s operating system.

    Please visit the Australian Taxation Office website for more details: info.authorisationmanager.gov.au

  • What Documents You Need to Prepare Your Tax Return

    What Documents You Need to Prepare Your Tax Return

    Documents you need to file a tax return

    Tax time can be stressful, and with the end of financial year approaching, early preparation can help avoid unnecessary pressure. Your tax return also provides valuable insight into how your business is performing, helping identify investment opportunities, cost reductions, and areas for growth.

    With obligations such as superannuation, GST, and Australian Taxation Office (ATO) reporting to manage, it’s important to understand which documents are required to lodge an accurate and compliant business tax return.

    Not every business has the same requirements, but the following fundamentals apply to most organisations.

    Key Documents and Information to Prepare

    • BAS, PAYG, and payroll reporting – Ensure your Business Activity Statements (BAS) have been lodged accurately and on time, whether monthly or quarterly. PAYG withholding and superannuation obligations should be up to date. Single Touch Payroll (STP) also applies, having become mandatory from 1 July 2018 for businesses with 20 or more employees, and later extended to smaller employers.
    • Expense tracking – Expenses should be current, clearly categorised, and accurate. This includes tracking inventory, stock, products, or parts so cost of goods sold can be calculated correctly. Well-maintained expense records make it easier to determine your profit and loss position.
    • Income tracking – Cash flow must be accurately represented, even if it is negative. It’s also important to confirm whether your business operates on a cash or accrual accounting basis, as this determines which transactions are included in the current financial year.
    • Separation of personal and business expenses – Business and personal expenses must be clearly separated. Ideally, this is achieved through a dedicated business bank account. If not, careful categorisation is essential to avoid errors and compliance issues.
    • Deductions and depreciation – Eligible deductions such as mileage, travel, clothing, and home office expenses should be tracked throughout the year. Capital assets, including machinery and equipment, may need to be depreciated over time rather than claimed in full.
    • Reporting and financial statements – You should have access to accurate year-to-date reports, turnover figures, payment summaries, Profit & Loss statements, balance sheets, and liabilities. These reports support tax lodgement, bad debt management, and compliance with ATO requirements.

    If this process feels overwhelming as your business grows, it may be time to consider more capable accounting software. SapphireOne Accounting Software automates many of these processes, pre-fills ATO reporting, and provides a secure, compliant connection for lodging BAS, payroll, superannuation, and tax obligations.

    With all financial data stored in a single database, your end-of-year business tax return can be prepared efficiently using accurate, real-time reports.

    For more information on the capabilities SapphireOne ERP, CRM, DMS, Accounting Software application and how we can help you at tax time Click here – sapphireone.com, request a demo or contact us.

  • SapphireOne Achieved Full Certification for STP and SBR2

    SapphireOne Achieved Full Certification for STP and SBR2

    SapphireOne achieved Full Certification Single Touch Payroll (STP) and Standard Business Reporting (SBR2) on 1st May 2018
    Based on the information provided SapphireOne has been assessed and given Full Operational Framework Approval for SapphireOne who are consuming BAS (PLS) and STP low risk API (payment services) with the following terms and conditions.

    API consumption conditions  

    • Conditions –
      1. Full Approval granted SapphireOne for BAS services (PLS) and  STP low risk API (payevent services).
      2. SapphireOne have ISO certification with software stored and managed by the client, in accordance with our requirements MFA is not a requirement as the as they are  Desktop application provider storing no data onsite.
    • Production Verification Testing (PVT) – You must successfully complete the required PVT scenarios with your Account Manager for each PLS API required.
    • Changes to your situation – The ATO must be notified via your Account Manager of any changes to your business or product environment, in relation to the information you supplied in your questionnaire.
    • Monitoring – Monitoring is considered a joint responsibility between the ATO and the DSP. The ATO conducts monitoring at the network, application and transaction layers; if anomalies or areas of concern are identified, we may re-assess your whitelisting suitability. The ATO will generally contact you or your representative unless exceptional circumstances apply. Where you identify a breach through your own monitoring controls you must notify the ATO immediately via your Account Manager to ensure appropriate action can be taken.

      Please respond with your agreement, understanding and acceptance of the conditions contained within this email.

      SapphireOne achieved Full Certification Single Touch Payroll (STP) and Standard Business Reporting (SBR2) on 1st May 2018