Signing tax returns and other documents

Any time we send information to the ATO, we need your permission as the taxpayer.

This includes lodging tax returns and BAS statements, but also tasks like setting up a payment plan with the ATO.

Our preferred method of signing is electronic signature.  This is done via the Xero portal.

Signing on Xero portal

You will receive a separate email requesting signature.  Click on the Review documents link.

Xero Portal is 100% free to use.  If you are asked to choose a plan / enter payment details, ignore this.  It means you have been re-directed to Xero for business.

If you’ve previously used Xero, you’ll be asked to log in to sign in.  We don’t know your password, so if you’ve forgotten it, just use the reset function.

Here is Xero’s guide to signing: https://central.xero.com/s/article/Sign-a-document-your-advisor-has-sent-you-to-authorise?userregion=true#Signadocumentyouvebeensent

Known issues with re-setting passwords

If you reset your password, you may be re-directed to Xero for business.  We recommend that after the password has been reset, do not log in at the page you are re-directed to.

Instead, go back to the e-sign and email and click Review documents again, or log in at: https://portal.xero.com/ (not login.xero.com)

I prefer not to use Xero sign

We understand that not everybody wants to sign online.

But we still need your written permission to lodge.

Please print, sign, date (don’t forget this!) and scan the initial pages of the return (3 pages if you are due a refund, 2 pages if you owe tax).  Scan the signed pages to info@beyondaccountancy.com.au

Please don’t sign with your own PDF software by manually editing the document.  Unlike the e-sign system, this will not record a time stamp or verify that it was you who signed.

Xero portal not working

Here are the most common issues and fixes for Xero sign.

1.  Error: I’m being asked to sign up for a free trial / pay for a Xero plan
   Fix: You are logging in at the wrong URL after resetting a password (see above)
2. Error: I can only see my spouse’s tax return, but not mine.
   Fix: you are probably logged in under your spouse’s email.  Log out, go to https://portal.xero.com/ and log back in as you.
3. Error: I cannot see any documents in Xero portal for me to sign.
   OR I am getting an error message saying I’m not authorised to view this document / agreement
   Fix: you logged in to Xero with the wrong email.  Make sure all other Xero logins on your device are logged out.  Then click Review documents again.

If you are still having issues, please contact us via phone or email and we’ll try to help you through it.