Does STP 2 require file to be online?

[Melisa_D]

Hi @MJPop, 

Thanks for your feedback. There have been changes to ATO security requirements which have impacted STP Phase 2, this measn that company files do need to be online for STP Phase 2.

[someone]

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@Melisa_D wrote:

Hi @MJPop, 

Thanks for your feedback. There have been changes to ATO security requirements which have impacted STP Phase 2, this measn that company files do need to be online for STP Phase 2.

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@Melisa_Dso from your response you are claiming that ATO require all accounting systems to have their cuustomer data online with the software provider!

I suspect that this is not correct, rather it's the inability of MYOB developers to be able to meet any security requirements set by the ATO for offline data files to access the ATO services via a secure internet connection.

This kind of "blame shifting" response is typical of MYOB and demonstrates a total lack of accepting responsibility. Futhermore, if MYOB wants to stop providing it's product to work in an offline fashion it should publicly come out and notify all current users, so that they can decide in a timely fashion if they wish to stay or migrate away.

I'm happy for you and your developers to prove me wrong, by providing exact technical details as to why the ATO security can't be met or implemented by having an offline datafile.

[cramptons]

We have also been custormers of MYOB for nearly 20 years.

However, if we cannot access STP Phase 2 from our files offline, we wil be changing to another platform, as much as I do not want to do this.

[gavin12345]

Hi @cramptons 

I can certainly understand and relate to the reluctance take your accounting data online. Many share these concerns, but feel strongly pushed in this direction, whether they want to or not. MYOB is convinced online is the only accounting solution going forward.

Changing accounting software can be a big step - depends on the size of your organisation and how many use the software. Unfortunately there are relatively few comparable options in Aust - at least this is what MYOB is counting on. Factors such as cost of the software, cost of the retraining, time and effort to convert etc etc. Software like Xero (online only), Reckon etc - these work better for some, but not for all.

MYOB know they will lose customers over this decision, similar to how they know they will lose customers over the changes to customer support (wait times and overall quality of phone support - read the hundreds of posts on the forum - these seem to have no impact on MYOB's management).

I hope they change their policy, however I do not expect they will. I hope that users such as yourself can find an alternative accounting software that works for you. 

While using a 3rd party progam for STP Reporting (such as STP Creator or some of the many other STP Portals) should not be necessary, after all you are paying huge fees to MYOB, they may be the better of the poor alternatives. If unable to find a suitable alternative accounting software, consider continuing to use MYOB offline together with an alternative STP solution. While it is extra work, and might be seen as a 'bandaid solution', for some users it might be a better option. You will also find that many of the alternative STP solutions have less errors and give you more control over exactly what is being reported.

By alternative STP Solutions, there are ones like Single Touch Pty Ltd (Single Touch Lite), GovReports and many others. With these you have options to log in after processing pay in MYOB (generate a report first), and then key or upload YTD details from this pay. STP Creator is the only one I am aware that links to and extracts the payroll data out of your MYOB file (including AR2022.4) - so with this option there is no rekeying of any data. During the setup the software extracts your employee details and payroll categories, and you link your payroll categories like you would in MYOB. On payday the up to date Payroll data is extracted, compiled and sent to the ATO. Cost is under $120 per annum for up to 4 employees and under $240 for up to 20.

I have personally used both STP Creator and the Single Touch Lite for numerous clients.

If you can find an STP alternative that works for you, this will allow you to keep using MYOB without the need to change to a different accounting software.

Regards

Gavin

[PowerMyobBI]

@gavin12345 how do i get in touch with you? 

[gavin12345]

Hi @PowerMyobBI 

I tried to send you a private message, however moderators have not enabled this for you. 

email centralhub12345@gmail.com

Regards

Gavin

[MJPop]

In an interesting update, my accountants have advised us that the ATO & ASIC are pushing all Australian companies toward online payroll systems, in order to give them both better access to information for data matching.

I cannot verify this or find any specific information that states this, it has just come from our accountant.

If it is true, surely it represents MASSIVE overreach from government on the privacy front?

Our reported financials are all 100% legal, accurate and correct, but going online opens our whole business up for unwarranted and unknowing investigation and snooping...?  No thanks.

Does anyone have actual information on this?

[cramptons]

Hi Gavin,

Thank you for your reply.  How do we access the STP Creator.  Have tried to google it - but it is a bit confusing.

Is it an actual programme, that works with our MYOB data??

[gavin12345]

Hi @cramptons 

It is a stand alone program. Once it is setup, you run it after you have processed your payroll in AR2022. It links to your MYOB file and will extract the payroll data, compile the data based on your settings in the required ATO format and lodge the report with the ATO. You will receive on screen and email confirmation the Report was lodged, as well as whether the ATO Accepted or Rejected.

Major advantage is it allows you to see exactly what it is sending to the ATO before it is sent, so you can cross reference with your MYOB report BEFORE you send to ensure all is in order.

Regards

Gavin