Getting your Tax Agent numbers right is essential for accurate tax return processing and communication with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The sections below cover common issues, how to resolve them, and best practices for managing Tax Agent numbers effectively.
Overview of Tax Agent number management
In Access Elite, multiple Tax Agent numbers can be configured. It is essential to select the correct Tax Agent number for each task to avoid errors. Tax Agent numbers impact:
PLS Prefill functionality
ATO connections
Accurate lodgement and communication with the ATO
Common issues and errors
Incorrect Tax Agent number selection
When multiple Tax Agent numbers are available, selecting the wrong one can lead to errors in tax return processing.
Changing Tax Agent numbers
If a Tax Agent number is no longer valid, it must be updated in the system. However, deleting the old Tax Agent number is not recommended, as it may still be required for previously assigned returns.
Client-agent association errors
An error message such as 'This client you transmitted is not associated with the agent number you supplied and cannot be authorised' occurs when the client is not registered under the selected Tax Agent number.
Step-by-step guides for resolving errors
Select the correct Tax Agent number
Navigate to the Tax module.
Verify the assigned Tax Agent number for the job.
Use the dropdown menu to select the correct Tax Agent number if multiple options are available.
Change the Tax Agent number on a tax return
Go to View Jobs, Tax.
Select the affected return.
Choose the correct Tax Agent number from the dropdown menu.
Open the tax return and save it to refresh its details with the new agent number.
Repeat these steps for each return requiring the new agent number.
⚠️Warning: Do not delete the old Tax Agent number, as it may still be needed for previously assigned returns.
Resolve client-agent association errors
Ensure the client is registered under the Tax Agent number selected for the return.
Verify the client's registration details before attempting to lodge the return.
Best practices
Always double-check the Tax Agent number selected for each task.
Maintain accurate records of client registrations under each Tax Agent number.
Avoid deleting old Tax Agent numbers to ensure historical data integrity.