LodgeiT requires tax agents to keep a record of all client verification details as part of security and compliance measures. The client verification process involves:
- Proof of Identity (POI) Checks: You must verify your client’s identity before providing tax services, consistent with the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 and guidance from the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). This includes sighting original or certified copies of identification documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, or other approved documents.
- Client Verification Records: LodgeiT provides a section to record all client verification details, helping you maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Authentication for E-signatures: You can set up client authentication methods for e-signatures, choosing between SMS verification or birthdate confirmation as defaults for all clients.
- ATO Linking and Validation: LodgeiT connects to the ATO via Standard Business Reporting (SBR), allowing you to validate tax returns and confirm client details against ATO records.
- Client Settings: You can access and adjust client-specific settings in LodgeiT under the client’s profile, which is found below the client’s name in the interface.
For detailed client verification, you should follow the TPB’s minimum requirements, which include verifying identity documents in person or via secure electronic methods and maintaining proper documentation.