11 July 2012
While preparing the collation packages, in which you received multiple clients' activity statements for the period ending 30 June 2012, our external print provider experienced an error, which resulted in incorrect payment barcodes printing on the payment slips on the activity statements.
For clients making activity statement payments at Australia Post this error could result in their payment not being applied to the correct account when received by us.
The electronic funds transfer (EFT) code appearing on the payment slip is correct and can still be used to make payments through all other payment methods.
Activity statements that were sent out individually are not affected by the print error.
What we have done to correct this
We have advised Australia Post of the error. They will use the EFT code to cross reference the correctness of the barcode, and if a mismatch occurs, they will enter the EFT code manually when processing activity statement payments.
What you need to do
Where possible, we recommend that you encourage your clients to pay electronically or use one of the other methods of payment listed on the back of their payment slip. You can also refer to www.ato.gov.au/howtopay for details of the alternate payment options available.
For clients who must use Australia Post to pay, they need to ensure Australia Post staff manually key the payment details rather than scanning the barcode on the payment slip.
We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.
Debra Unsworth
Assistant Commissioner
Client Account Services
Last Modified: Friday, 13 July 2012