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Frequently asked questions

 
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Overview

This document sets out frequently asked questions for our online security credential holders - AUSkey and ATO digital certificates.

ATO online security systems

What is an online security credential?
Changes to our online security system in May 2010

AUSkey

General

What is an AUSkey?
What are the different types of AUSkeys?
What ATO online services can I access with AUSkey?
Does AUSkey offer the same level of security as an ATO digital certificate?
Does AUSkey use the same security software as ATO digital certificates (Common-use Signing Interface (CSI))?

Registration

Can I use my ATO digital certificate to register for an AUSkey?
What are the benefits of using my ATO digital certificate to register for an AUSkey?
How do I register for an AUSkey?
How do I register my staff for an AUSkey?
Can I register for an AUSkey using an ATO digital certificate installed on my USB drive?
When should I register for an AUSkey using my ATO digital certificate?
Can I register for an AUSkey using my ATO digital certificate after it expires?
I registered for an AUSkey without using my ATO digital certificate. Can I go back and register for an AUSkey using my ATO digital certificate at a later date?
Which computer should I use to register for an AUSkey using my ATO digital certificate?
How do I upgrade each ATO digital certificate installed on my computer to an AUSkey?
I have attempted to use my ATO digital certificate to register for an AUSkey but an error occurs during the registration process. Am I still able to use my ATO digital certificate to register?
Where can I get assistance if my organisation wants to install an AUSkey on a network or server?

Technical information

What operating systems and browsers are supported by AUSkey?
Where can I get AUSkey technical support?

Permissions

Once I have registered and installed my AUSkey, can I begin using ATO online services immediately?
Do I receive automatic permissions when I register for an AUSkey using my ATO digital certificate?
Where can I find more information on the permissions Administrator and Standard AUSkey holders receive?

ATO digital certificates and AUSkey

I applied for an ATO digital certificate before AUSkey was available. Will my application be processed?
What happens to my ATO digital certificate after registering for an AUSkey?
Should I cancel my ATO digital certificate?
Do I need an ATO digital certificate or an AUSkey to use Electronic Lodgment Service (ELS)?
What happens to my ATO digital certificate and AUSkey when I cancel my ABN?

ATO digital certificates

General

What is an ATO digital certificate?
What does 'signing' with my ATO digital certificate mean?
What can I use my ATO digital certificate for?
How do I register for an ATO digital certificate?
How do I renew, replace or cancel an ATO digital certificate?
How do I make my ATO digital certificate portable?
How do I use my ATO digital certificate on a USB stick?
How do I move my digital certificate from my portable device onto my computer?
How do I back up my ATO digital certificate?
How do I copy/move my ATO digital certificate?
How do I delete ATO digital certificates from my computer?
Can I use my ATO digital certificate on more than one computer?
Can I install more than one ATO digital certificate on a computer?
Does my business need a dedicated computer for ATO digital certificates?
Can I use ATO digital certificates with a network?

Managing secondary ATO digital certificates (for primary ATO digital certificate holders)

How do I activate portal access for secondary ATO digital certificate holders?
Can I restrict people to particular information or roles in the portal?

Passwords

What do I do if I've forgotten my ATO digital certificate password?
How do I change my Electronic Lodgment System (ELS) password?

Computer issues

What should I do when I get a new computer/sell my old computer?
What should I do when my computer is stolen?
Uninstalling the Common-use Signing Interface (CSI)

Change of details

What should I do if I change my name?
What should I do if my entity's legal name changes?
What should I do if my entity's legal name changes but ABN remains the same?
What should I do if my entity's legal name and ABN changes?
What should I do when other details about me or my business change?

Help

AUSkey

I have an existing ATO digital certificate, but when I try to register for an AUSkey, the system is not recognising my certificate. What should I do?
I have installed the AUSkey security software but can't access the portals. What should I do?
I am a new Standard AUSkey holder but can't access any ATO online services. What should I do?
Why am I required to link my AUSkey to the ATO digital certificates?

ATO digital certificates

Business Portal
Tax Agent and BAS Agent Portals
Electronic Commerce Interface (ECI)

Last Modified: Wednesday, 22 December 2010
 
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