Proof of Identity
We'd love to think we all live and work in a world where everybody is honest and acts with integrity - but between technology and the prospect of money refunded from the ATO, not everyone is so above board.
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To protect you from improper use of your personal details, and as part of our compulsory procedures, we do some simple identity checks for all new clients. Below are examples of the documents we may need to see.
Individuals and Sole Traders
This step applies to every person we act for OR take instructions from.
We need to check: Name, address and date of birth
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You need to show: Primary photographic ID - Drivers' License or Passport
OR
Primary non-photographic ID - birth or citizenship certificate, Government healthcare or concession card
AND
Secondary ID - Medicare Card, ATO or Centrelink document (from last 12 months), Council or Utility bill (from last 3 months), Electoral Roll confirmation or letter from School Principal (if under 18)
From 1 July 2023, this must be done before connecting to your ATO record, so naturally we can't give specific tax advice or estimates before this step. We may ask existing clients for a quick check where there are significant changes in their circumstances.
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We aim to keep this process friendly, positive and as painless as possible, which is why we ask you to have original or certified copies of documents and ID available for our initial meeting.
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Please do not send copies of photo or detailed ID via email. This is not regarded as a safe move, not to mention that this would not satisfy our obligations without a physical or video meeting.
We are not required to retain any copies, but do need to make notes of the kinds of verification you provide. These requirements are based on the Tax Practitioners' Board's guidelines as at July 2023.
Your privacy is important to us, as is protecting all of us from potential identity theft and fraudulent activity.