Help - commonly asked questions

Do I have to deal with the ATO electronically?

You are required to lodge your BAS electronically if the annual turnover of your business enterprise is $20 million or more, or if your business has been granted deferred GST status.
Any payments associated with the electronic business activity statement (e-BAS) must also be made electronically.

If your annual turnover is less than $20 million, you can choose either to lodge a paper BAS or lodge electronically.

Is the ECI and the internet secure?

The internet in general is not secure. However, the ECI uses encryption and authentication technology (known as Public Key Infrastructure) to ensure secure Internet communications. Find out more about how Public Key Infrastructure works.

What do I have to do to lodge an electronic business activity statement (e-BAS) with the ATO?

Firstly, you must indicate to the ATO that you wish to lodge electronically. You should answer "Yes" to the question "Do you want to use the ATO's Internet-based e-commerce system?" on the ABN Application Form. Register for an ABN via the Australian Business Register (ABR) homepage.

If you already have your ABN and now want to use the ECI to lodge your BAS electronically, you will need to complete and submit a registration form. After you have notified the ATO that you wish to deal electronically, the ATO will issue you with digital Keys and Certificates.

What computing facilities are needed to lodge the business activity statement electronically?

To lodge electronically, you will need a personal computer with Internet access. The ATO will supply you with the ECI software, together with your digital Keys and Certificates free of charge.

Check you have the necessary system requirements for dealing electronically with the ATO:

• Windows PC
  
• Macintosh

Can I choose to return to lodging a paper business activity statement?

Yes, but only if the annual turnover of your business enterprise is less than $20 million. The Dealing Electronically form can be used for this purpose.

Forgotten your nominated password?

If you have forgotten your nominated password, as long as you've kept your Keys and Certificates file and PIC Mailer safely, you can re-import your Keys and Certificates and specify a new password.

If you no longer have your Keys and Certificates and PIC Mailer, you cannot go back and change your password. You will have to reapply for your Keys and Certificates.

What are common problems experienced while setting up to deal electronically?

• Installing the ECI Client software
  
• The reference numbers on the e-mail and the PIC Mailer do not match
  
• Downloading Keys and Certificates
  
• Importing Keys and Certificates
  
• You receive an error message stating that the Keys and Certificates are revoked