XIntelliSync prepares. You lodge. The ATO acknowledges directly.
PREPARE → DOWNLOAD → INSTRUCT → CONFIRM. Four steps. XIntelliSync is not a registered ATO Digital Service Provider — and that protects customers from any ambiguity about who lodged what, when. Every ATO acknowledgement reference comes from the ATO directly.
Why this lives on XIntelliSync, not on the ATO website
The ATO Business Portal at bp.ato.gov.au is where your BAS, GST, TPAR, and PAYG actually get lodged. XIntelliSync prepares the lodgement bundle, populates the right form fields, and instructs you to upload via your myGovID + RAM authorisation. We do not have ATO Digital Service Provider status, which means we cannot lodge on your behalf — but we make sure the file you upload is in the exact format the ATO Business Portal accepts, with zero manual re-keying from XIntelliSync to the portal. The article below is the four lodgement-portal options (ATO Business Portal, myGov for sole traders, registered tax agent, ATO Online Services for Business) and the myGovID + RAM setup workflow.
Quick answer
XIntelliSync prepares your BAS, TPAR, and STP Phase 2 lodgement files. You lodge externally via the ATO Business Portal (bp.ato.gov.au), myGov for sole traders (my.gov.au), or your registered tax agent. Honest separation that respects ATO infrastructure. XIntelliSync is not a registered ATO Digital Service Provider — every ATO acknowledgement reference comes from the ATO directly, and the audit log records the lodgement timestamp, reference, and lodging user.
The 4-step workflow
PREPARE → DOWNLOAD → INSTRUCT → CONFIRM.
Every BAS, TPAR, and STP Phase 2 lodgement runs through the same four steps. The boundary between XIntelliSync and the ATO is unambiguous.
Runs every transaction through XGVS at preparation stage. Applies Division 38 / Division 40 / standard 10% GST classification, validates supplier ABNs against ABN Lookup, reconciles labels W1-G24 against payroll lodgements, and assembles the BAS / TPAR lodgement file in the ATO-required format. The file generates only when all gates pass.
Download the prepared lodgement file (XML or CSV depending on lodgement type) from XIntelliSync to your local machine. The file is plain-text, ATO-conformant, ready for upload to the chosen portal.
Log into the ATO Business Portal (or your tax agent's software, or myGov for sole traders). Navigate to the appropriate lodgement section. Upload the file. Review the totals. Authorise the lodgement using your normal signatory process (myGovID for businesses; signature for sole traders).
The ATO returns an acknowledgement reference number. Return to XIntelliSync and click "Mark as Lodged", entering the ATO acknowledgement reference. The audit log records the lodgement timestamp + reference + lodging user. Seven-year retention per ATO record-keeping obligations.
The four portal options
Which portal you use depends on your entity + your role.
ATO Business Portal (Online services for business)
https://bp.ato.gov.auAudience: Businesses with an ABN — companies, partnerships, trusts, sole traders operating under an ABN.
What you lodge: BAS, IAS, STP Phase 2, TPAR, super contributions, payment summaries, FBT returns, business tax returns. The full business lodgement surface.
Access requirements: myGovID identity (Strong identity strength recommended for businesses) + Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) link to the business ABN. Authorisations granted by a principal authority.
myGov
https://my.gov.auAudience: Sole traders lodging via personal ATO Online Services. Individuals managing their own tax + business accounts.
What you lodge: Individual BAS, individual income tax returns, individual super, ATO correspondence inbox. Sole traders link their ATO account once via myGov.
Access requirements: myGov account + verified identity (Medicare card, driver licence, etc.). Link ATO once — re-link if account is reset or password changed.
Registered Tax Agent / BAS Agent portal
https://www.tpb.gov.au/tax-agent-finderAudience: Businesses using a registered Tax Agent (lodging tax returns + BAS) or BAS Agent (lodging BAS only). Most SMBs above starter scale benefit.
What you lodge: All lodgements your agent is registered for. Agent lodgement grants the standard 4-week extension on Q1, Q3, Q4 BAS deadlines.
Access requirements: Engage a registered agent. Agent uses their own practice management software (Xero Tax, MYOB, NowInfinity, etc.). You authorise via signed engagement letter.
ATO Online Services for Business
https://onlineservices.ato.gov.auAudience: Same as ATO Business Portal — the unified entry. Routes to the appropriate online service depending on the account type.
What you lodge: Same as ATO Business Portal. The newer unified URL — older "bp.ato.gov.au" redirects here.
Access requirements: myGovID + RAM (same as ATO Business Portal).
Setup + identity verification
Before you can lodge — set up myGovID + RAM.
myGovID app — mygovid.gov.au
Digital identity verification app for businesses. Download on iOS / Android, verify identity using Australian documents (driver licence, Medicare card, passport). Reach Strong identity strength for business lodgements. NOT the same as myGov for individuals.
Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) — info.authorisationmanager.gov.au
Links your myGovID identity to a specific business ABN, granting authority to act on behalf of that business. Principal authority of the business grants RAM access. Each user has their own myGovID + RAM authorisation per business.
ATO Business Portal — bp.ato.gov.au
Once myGovID + RAM are set up, log into the ATO Business Portal to lodge BAS, TPAR, STP Phase 2. The unified URL onlineservices.ato.gov.au routes here.
myGov — my.gov.au
For sole traders without a separate ABN — link your ATO account once via myGov. Different from myGovID — myGov is for individuals; myGovID is for businesses.
Tax Practitioners Board — tpb.gov.au/tax-agent-finder
Find a registered tax agent or BAS agent if you prefer professional lodgement. Agent lodgement grants the standard 4-week extension on Q1, Q3, Q4 BAS deadlines.
All 22+ industries served
BAS / GST / TPAR lodgement nuances by industry.
Construction
TPAR mandatory — building & construction industry must report contractor payments annually by 28 August. GST on supplies, GST credits on materials. Progress claim invoicing creates BAS timing complexity.
Healthcare
Many medical services GST-free under Division 38-7 (medical services) and Division 38-10 (other health). Allied health may be partially GST-free. Pharmacy mixed — most prescription medicines GST-free, retail products taxable.
Hospitality
Restaurant meals consumed on-premises taxable at 10% GST. Takeaway food may be GST-free if it qualifies as basic food per Division 38. Liquor always taxable. Tip pooling does not affect GST.
Retail
Most retail goods 10% GST taxable. Basic food items (bread, milk, fresh fruit/veg, plain meat) GST-free under Division 38 Schedule 2. Mixed baskets require per-line classification — software with up-to-date ATO classification codes is essential.
Consulting / Professional Services
Most consulting services 10% GST taxable. Exports of services may be GST-free under Division 38. Sub-contracted work to other GST-registered consultants — GST on supplier invoice claimable as input credit. TPAR may apply for cleaning/IT/security services.
Digital / Tech
Software licences and SaaS subscriptions to AU customers: 10% GST. Exports to overseas customers: typically GST-free under Division 38 export rules. TPAR mandatory for IT services to other businesses. Stripe/payment-processor fees include GST claimable as input credit.
Finance
Most financial supplies INPUT-TAXED under Division 40 — no GST charged on supply, no GST credits claimable on related expenses. Fee-based services (advisory, brokerage) often taxable at 10% GST. Mixed-supply businesses must apportion input credits.
Legal
Legal services 10% GST taxable. Trust account holdings are NOT consideration for supply — no GST until earned/billed. Disbursements (court filing fees, expert reports) may be GST-free or taxable per ATO rulings. Expense recoveries treated per the Goods and Services Tax Ruling GSTR 2000/37.
Childcare
Childcare services GST-free under Division 38-145 if approved-services or registered-carer. CCS subsidy reconciliation creates BAS timing complexity. Materials and supplies (10% GST) claimable as input credits.
Education
Most education courses GST-free under Division 38-85 (education courses) when delivered by registered training organisations or approved tertiary providers. Course materials may be partially taxable. International student fees typically GST-free under Division 38 export rules.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing supplies generally 10% GST taxable. Exports GST-free under Division 38. Raw materials with GST claimable as input credits. Capital purchases (machinery, vehicles) GST claimable in the period acquired. Quarterly BAS most common; monthly required if turnover exceeds $20M.
Transport
Road freight services 10% GST taxable. International freight (export and import legs) typically GST-free under Division 38. Fuel tax credits available — separate claim through BAS. TPAR mandatory for road freight services to businesses.
Mining
Mining production 10% GST taxable; exports GST-free. Substantial fuel tax credits, R&D tax incentive offsets, and capital allowances flow through BAS. Native title and royalty payments have specific GST treatment per ATO mining-industry rulings.
Agriculture
Most fresh food (bread, milk, fruit, vegetables, meat) GST-free under Division 38 Schedule 2. Processed/packaged food typically taxable. Fuel tax credits available for off-road farm machinery. Livestock sales GST-free between primary producers.
Fitness
Fitness services 10% GST taxable. Membership fees GST applies. Equipment retail (apparel, supplements) taxable. Personal-trainer commissions to contractors may trigger TPAR if industry-wide reporting becomes mandatory.
Non-profit
Charitable not-for-profits with GST registration: most fundraising events GST-free under Division 38 if non-commercial test passes. Gifts and donations not consideration — no GST. Government grants may or may not be consideration depending on conditions. NDIS supports GST-free under Division 38-38.
Events
Event ticket sales 10% GST taxable. Bundled packages (ticket + food + accommodation) require apportionment per ATO events-industry guidance. Sponsorship income generally taxable. Door-takings reconciliation drives BAS-period accuracy.
Creative
Creative services to AU clients 10% GST taxable. International commissions GST-free under Division 38 export rules. Royalty income taxable. TPAR may apply for security/courier/cleaning sub-contractors used in production.
Marketing
Marketing services 10% GST taxable. Media spend pass-through (Google Ads, Meta Ads) — GST treatment depends on whether you re-bill or just facilitate. Overseas service exports GST-free under Division 38.
Human Resources
HR consulting and recruitment services 10% GST taxable. Placement fee payments are taxable supplies. Background-check pass-through costs require apportionment if charged at-cost vs marked-up.
Insurance
General insurance premiums INPUT-TAXED under Division 40 — no GST on the premium portion, but the policy holder may claim a decreasing adjustment. Life insurance premiums GST-free. Brokerage and intermediary services taxable at 10% GST.
Real Estate
Residential rent INPUT-TAXED under Division 40 — no GST charged, no GST credits on related expenses. Commercial property rent generally 10% GST taxable. Sale of new residential premises taxable; existing residential GST-free under Division 38. Property management fees 10% GST taxable.
ATO Business Portal lodgement. Questions answered.
What's the difference between bp.ato.gov.au and onlineservices.ato.gov.au?+
What is myGovID and how do I set it up?+
What is Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM)?+
Can XIntelliSync lodge BAS / TPAR / STP directly with the ATO?+
Which lodgement path should I use?+
What happens if I lodge through the wrong portal?+
How does XIntelliSync record the lodgement after I confirm with the ATO?+
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PREPARE → DOWNLOAD → INSTRUCT → CONFIRM. Every BAS. Every TPAR. Every STP.
Included from Starter tier ($97/month AUD). Lodgement file generation in ATO format, ATO acknowledgement audit log, multi-portal support — included from Starter tier upward. First month 50% off.