How to lodge a tax declaration form online (TFN)
This guide explains how to lodge a tax declaration form, to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) online without having to print, type, or scan a thing. Firstly we describe the traditional method using the ATO business portal. Then, a new, faster, and easier method using ATO compliant digital onboarding software. Option 1 – The […]
Bryn Tardent-Powell
16 November 2020 |
This guide explains how to lodge a tax declaration form, to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) online without having to print, type, or scan a thing. Firstly we describe the traditional method using the ATO business portal. Then, a new, faster, and easier method using ATO compliant digital onboarding software. Option 1 – The traditional method of lodging a tax declaration form via the ATO Business Portal An option to lodge the tax file number (TFN) Declaration form online via the ATO business portal has existed for some time. While many employers still distribute paper forms to new employees, the ATO will now accept a digitally signed form which is a welcome advancement. You can find the Tax file number declaration form supplied by the Australian Taxation Office here. From there, simply complete the form either digitally or by printing onto A4 paper and filling it out by hand. This method of lodging through the ATO business portal still has major limitations not yet addressed by the tax office: ❌There are no digital “checks” available to reduce errors in the ATO digital form. ❌Paper forms are prone to manual entry errors. ❌Duplication of work is required to enter this data again into accounting or payroll software. ❌The ATO form is more complex than other methods available. To lodge directly through the ATO website you will need to have an ATO business portal account. Copies of the process and the digital version of the TFN Declaration form are located here. Option 2 – The more efficient method using the ATO-compliant Tanda Onboarding tool This faster option to lodge a tax declaration form forms uses Tanda’s software which meets ATO compliance requirements and lodges forms directly. Not only is this option faster, but it solves the major limitations of the traditional TFN Declaration form. The form is compliant with ATO ‘SBR’ requirements, meaning Tanda collects all the required information but using an easier format. The benefits of using Tanda Onboarding include: ✔️Inbuilt logic to pick up incorrect TFN numbers, and assist to catch common mistakes before they happen. ✔️The fastest method available by eliminating the need to double enter form responses. ✔️Automatically create the employee in MYOB or Xero Payroll systems to eliminate errors and save time. ✔️Tanda Onboarding is the simplest method available to collect the required information. How it works: Send a link to Tanda Onboarding directly to the employee by email or text message Instantly collect the receipt of the tax declaration form on completion by the employee Allow you to lodge the tax declaration form directly to the ATO with no data entry required Send the employee automatically to MYOB or Xero Automate more than just the tax declaration form Tanda Onboarding also partners with accounting systems MYOB & Xero to provide automatic transfer of the details filled out in Tanda Onboarding to your new employee in your payroll file. Tanda Onboarding will still work and lodge the TFN Declaration with all other systems. This means you can not only collect all the required payroll documentation but also automatically create the new employee in MYOB or Xero with no manual entry required. Looking to get started with Tanda Onboarding? Sign up for a free Tanda trial account, and follow the guide to experience all the platform has to offer.