Transitional deferrals
A transitional deferral should be used if you need more time to get ready to report through Single Touch Payroll (STP) including, being unable to report by your software provider’s deferred start date or needing more time to transition.
Employers with 20 or more employees
Your software provider may have applied to us for a later start date for STP reporting which covers you as an existing client.
If you are covered by your software provider’s deferral, you will need to start reporting on or before the deferral date. Your provider will give you this date and a deferral reference number (DRN). This verifies they have a deferral for you. You don’t need to give this to us – just keep it for your own records.
If you’re not able to start reporting by your software provider’s deferral date, you will need to apply for your own deferral by taking a couple of steps with which Omnis Group can assist.
You’ll also need to provide supporting evidence to help the ATO understand your circumstances through a portal mail message.
If the ATO needs more information, they will let you know. You can also ask your registered agent to lodge a request on your behalf.
Deferral criteria
Deferrals will be considered if you:
- are unable to get ready by your software provider’s deferred start date
- are transitioning to a new STP-enabled solution
- are using customised payroll software and you need time to configure and test your updated product
- have complex payroll arrangements and need additional time to transition to STP
- have entered administration or liquidation
- have been impacted by a natural disaster
- are affected by other circumstances which are out of your control
Employers with 19 or fewer employees
If you currently use payroll software which offers STP reporting, you can update your product and start reporting any time up to 30 September 2019.
If you know you won’t be able to start before 30 September 2019, you or your registered agent can ask for a deferral.
In many cases the ATO is likely to approve a deferral straight away. If they need more information, they will let you know.
Your registered agent can also apply for a deferral on your behalf.
Unreliable or no internet service
If you live in an area where there is no internet connection, or the connection or service is intermittent or unstable, this will impact your ability to report through STP.
You or your registered tax or BAS agent can apply for a deferral or exemption online or you can phone the ATO on 13 28 66 if you are unable to lodge a portal request if you experience:
- an inability to connect to the internet
- a connection that requires multiple attempts
- dropouts or disconnections
- exceedingly slow data transfer.
When you lodge your request or contact the ATO, they will discuss your individual circumstances and may offer more time to lodge your STP report each time you run your payroll. You will need to provide evidence and meet their requirements.
To read about other types of deferrals click here.
The team at Omnis Group Accountants can show you how to harness the power of technology to transform your business! Contact us in Perth on 08 9380 3555 to book a FREE demonstration let us show you what cloud accounting can do for STP and your business! As Xero Gold Partners we can guide you and ensure you get maximum value from your cloud accounting software and Single Touch Payroll.
Related reading
Source ATO