Data exchange
We support electronic channels for the two-way transfer of files between the ATO and external partners.
The most widely used channels for exchanging data are the:
Data transfer facility (DTF)
The data transfer facility (DTF) provides a secure and efficient way of exchanging large volumes of information below a 'protected' security classification.
Users connect to the DTF through their internet browser using authentication details (their user ID and password) provided by us.
Next step:
What the DTF is used for
The DTF is mostly used to support ad hoc bulk data exchanges – that is, files are loaded to a secure mailbox from which they can be accessed by the recipient. It is also used to send data to us where the file type is not supported by the file transfer function.
The DTF is used for some regular data transfers where there are no other enterprise solutions available, such as the distribution of Australian Business Register (ABR) data to government agencies, and to send some superannuation-related data to super funds and their administrators.
Key features
The DTF enables you to:
- transact in a secure online environment
- log in securely, with a user ID and password authentication
- receive confirmation that your data has been received
- upload large files (up to 2GB)
- exchange most file types.
Technical information
- Internet Explorer version 6 or later is recommended
- Browser must be Scripts or JavaScript enabled
- Compatible with WinZip and PKZip file compression tools
- Supports files up to 2GB
Getting access
To lodge files using the DTF you need to obtain a user ID and password. Each user in your organisation will need to have a separate user ID.
To obtain a user ID and password, phone the ATO Bulk Data Transfer team on (02) 6216 4004 between 8.30am and 4.30pm AEST, Monday to Friday.
Help and support
For help and support using the DTF, including password resets, you can contact us by:
- sending an email to ATO Bulk Data Transfer
- phoning (02) 6216 4004 between 8.30am and 4.30pm AEST, Monday to Friday.
File transfer function
The file transfer function is the preferred channel to support the cyclical exchange of structured data such as:
- annual investment income report (AIIR)
- payment summary annual report (PSAR)
- quarterly tax file number (TFN) declaration (QTFN)
- superannuation member contributions statement (MCS)
- taxable payments annual report (TPAR)
- TFN declaration.
Benefits
The file transfer function allows you to test and lodge files that have been created from your software.
When you submit your file, you will receive on-screen confirmation that your file has been received. Your file will be validated to ensure it is compatible and you can download a validation report to see if the file has been successfully lodged or tested, successfully lodged with warnings or rejected due to errors.
Other key features include:
- the ability to upload large files without needing to split the file
- the option to send multiple files as a single compressed file
- reduced upload time if the file is compressed before submitting
- an easy to use, fast and efficient service
- reduced risk of errors and faster processing times than paper or electronic media
- a service that it is provided free of charge, with help available to answer your technical queries.
Note: You can't lodge scanned images or forms, screen prints, spreadsheets and word processing files (for example, .pdf, .doc, .xls, .jpg, .tif) via the file transfer function.
Next step:
- You can access the file transfer function through the
See also:
We support electronic channels for a two-way transfer of files between the ATO and external partners. Find out about using the data transfer facility and the file transfer function.