The ATO has now issued a reminder that all desktop practice software users will need to create a machine credential by 27 March to continue to interact with ATO systems.

Businesses that use cloud-based practice software will not need to obtain a machine credential as digital service providers will install it on their servers on behalf of the user.

A machine credential will “perform the same function” as an administrator or a standard AUSkey in the software so users can continue to access online services normally.

The ATO reminder is aimed at businesses that use desktop or locally hosted software, as the machine credential will need to be installed manually.

“If you have not established your machine credential by 27 March, you will not be able to use your desktop practice management software to interact with ATO systems,” the ATO said.

The ATO has advised businesses to contact their practice software provider “immediately” to obtain a machine credential.