INDIVIUDAL TAX AND ACCOUNTING

The Australian Taxation Office has announced that it is expanding its client-to-agent linking process to individuals and sole traders. The change is being introduced to provide greater security and transparency around who is authorised to access a taxpayer’s information and act on their behalf. A pilot is planned to begin in March 2027, ahead of full implementation in November 2027. What is client-to-agent linking? Client-to-agent linking is an authorisation process between a taxpayer and their registered tax or BAS agent. The process currently applies to entities with an Australian Business Number, excluding sole traders. This includes companies, trusts, partnerships, self-managed superannuation funds and other relevant entities. These entities generally need to complete the process when they: appoint a new registered tax or BAS agent; change from one agent to another; or provide an existing agent with authority for an additional tax obligation. If an existing agent relationship and its authorisations remain unchanged, the entity generally does not need to complete a new nomination. What is changing? The ATO is preparing to expand client-to-agent linking to individuals and sole traders. Under the proposed process, the registered agent will initiate the linking request. The client will then authorise the request through ATO online services or the ATO app before the agent can access the relevant information and act on their behalf. This means that when an individual or sole trader appoints a new agent, changes agents or provides additional authorisation, there will be an additional security step to complete. Why are we telling our clients now? Although full implementation is not expected until November 2027, the pilot is planned to begin in March. There is nothing most clients need to do immediately unless we contact you directly. However, we want clients to understand the change early and know that SB will be available to guide them through the process. Our team will continue to monitor the ATO’s implementation requirements and provide clear instructions as further information becomes available. If you have any questions about client-to-agent linking or appointing a registered tax or BAS agent, please contact our office. Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure that the content is accurate and up to date, the advice and information provided on this site should not be construed as a substitute for consulting with a qualified accounting or tax professional. The authors and contributors to this blog do not accept any responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content, or for any losses or damages arising from the use of the information provided.

Five conversations worth having in FY2027 A new financial year brings fresh opportunities, new challenges and important decisions for business owners and individuals alike. Rather than telling you what we think is important, we asked each of our Partners to share the one conversation they believe is worth having as we begin FY2027. Adam O’Sullivan | How has your business adapted to Payday Super? This financial year brings several important changes that businesses should plan for now rather than react to later. One of the biggest is the move towards Payday Super. Paying superannuation closer to each payroll cycle will change how many businesses manage their cash flow, so now is the time to review your processes and consider whether you may need additional working capital or funding solutions. I'd also remind business owners that interest charged by the ATO is no longer tax deductible. If you're carrying ATO debt or reviewing your finance arrangements, it's worth taking the opportunity to ensure your lending structure is as tax effective as possible. Planning ahead today can help avoid unnecessary costs tomorrow and give you greater confidence throughout the year. Brad Bulow | Is Your Business Structure Still Right for You? One question I encourage clients to ask at the start of every financial year is whether they're still operating under the right business structure. As your business grows, the entity that suited you when you first started may no longer be the best option. A review could uncover opportunities around tax planning, asset protection or succession planning, but it's important to understand the potential tax and stamp duty implications before making any changes. I'm also seeing business owners under more pressure than ever before. With changes like Payday Super, increasing compliance obligations and the rapid growth of AI and automation, it's becoming almost impossible to do everything yourself. Build the right team around you. Bring in specialist skills where you need them, outsource where it makes sense and keep your focus on the areas where you add the most value. You'll be in a much stronger position to grow while staying compliant in an increasingly complex business environment. Martin Sammut | Stay Informed on the Federal Budget Every Federal Budget introduces changes that have the potential to affect individuals, families and businesses. While some measures take effect immediately, others roll out throughout the financial year, so it's important to stay informed. Whether it's changes to tax legislation, superannuation, business incentives or cost of living measures, understanding how these announcements apply to your circumstances can make a significant difference to the decisions you make. Rather than waiting until the changes impact you, take the opportunity to have a conversation with your adviser. Together we can review what the Budget means for you, identify any opportunities available and ensure you're well prepared for the months ahead. Being proactive, not reactive, is one of the best investments you can make in your financial future. Andrew Manners | Lean on Your Trusted Advisers If there's one thing I'm expecting this financial year, it's change. Whether it's interest rates, Government policy, economic conditions or new legislation, businesses will need to be ready to adapt. During periods of uncertainty, it's more important than ever to lean on your trusted advisers. Your accountant, banker, financial adviser and legal team all play an important role in helping you make informed decisions. When your advisers work together, you're in a much stronger position to build the right processes, strengthen your business structure and identify opportunities as they arise. Don't wait until a challenge presents itself. Schedule the conversations early, review your plans regularly and make sure your business is prepared for whatever the year ahead may bring. A proactive approach will always put you in a stronger position than a reactive one. Danny Riggs | Set Financial Goals That Drive Success The start of a new financial year is the perfect time to set yourself some meaningful financial goals. Whether it's reducing your mortgage below a certain balance, achieving a target turnover, improving profitability or building stronger cash reserves, having a clear target gives you something to work towards. I've always believed that what gets measured gets done. When you create a financial goal, it naturally changes your behaviour. You make better decisions, stay accountable and keep moving in the right direction. Even if you don't quite reach the target, you'll almost certainly be better off than if you hadn't set one at all. My advice is simple: don't let another financial year pass without deciding what success looks like for you. Write your goals down, review them regularly and make them part of your decision-making throughout the year.