The fastest, most secure way for your clients to receive refunds is through electronic funds transfer (EFT) into an Australian financial institution account. Financial institutions include banks, building societies and credit unions.
You can add or update your clients financial institution details (FID) using:
- the practitioner lodgment service (PLS)
- Online services for agents by selecting the client then Profile and Financial institution details (FID).
We recommend you check the account information for your client each time you lodge. This will prevent refunds going to a wrong account.
Using your trust account
Depending on arrangements you have with your clients, refunds can be deposited directly into their accounts, or into your trust account on their behalf.
The Electronic funds transfer report (EFTRS) is available in the practitioner lodgment service (PLS) and can help you reconcile your trust account.
To receive the report through PLS, add the report to your subscription and provide us with details of your trust account through your software.
If you are unable to forward the refund to your client, you should return the refund to us. You will need to use the same lodgment reference number as the original refund so we can correctly identify the refund belongs to your client.
Return the refund to:
Electronic funds transfer (EFT) to ATO Deposit Trust Fund
Bank: |
Reserve Bank of Australia |
BSB: |
093003 |
Account number: |
310362 |
Account name: |
ATO Deposit Trust Fund |
Reference: |
Lodgment reference field number |
You can obtain the lodgment reference field number from the original refund. The lodgment reference field number will be shown on your client's bank statement.
See also:
- PLS user guide - reports
- The Tax Practitioners Board – Code of Professional Conduct – Holding money or other property on trustExternal Link
No account available
We understand there may be circumstances when a client may not be able to provide account details. If this is the case, and you cannot provide your own trust account details, you can phone us on 13 72 86 Fast Key Code 1 3 1 2 for help.
Clients who have to pay tax
If an assessment results in an amount owing, we will issue a notice of assessment providing details on how to pay, including paying online using BPAY® or credit/debit card.
You can make the payment for your client or set up a payment plan using Online services for agents. Our existing debt-collection practices continue to apply.
See also:
Most refunds need to be sent by electronic funds transfer into the Australian financial institution accounts of your clients. This is the fastest, most secure way for your clients to receive refunds.