Set up branch 1 - need to change to branch 2

System

This discussion was created from comments split from: How do I change our branch code from 001 to 002 for STP?.

AlyshaDew

@Rav Hi Rav, I have created a new company and the ATO has advised my branch number should be 002, but i initially set it up as 001. I use Reckon Accounts Hosted and I have already lodged 4 STP's. I have already logged the software ID with ATO also. Can you pls advise what the process is for me now? our ABN is

61 673 408 136

Rav

Hi @AlyshaDew

Just to clarify do you actually hold branch 2 for your ABN in reality and not branch 1?

AlyshaDew

I'm not sure, how do I check? All I know is when I rang the ATO to advise them my software provider & ID number, they said to make sure i use branch no. 002 not 001. @Rav

Rav

The only reason I'm asking is, its a little unusual for an ABN to have a 002 GST branch number without 001 as well, since 001 is the default.

I'm certainly not an expert or authority on the matter though so if they've told you it needs to be 002 then I guess we'll take that as the correct advice and move forward with that.

I can see that there have been a small number of STP submissions sent under your branch 1 registration for your ABN. The first thing you'll need to do is reverse or 'zero-out' these submissions sent under the incorrect branch. To do so you'll need to follow the steps outlined in this help guide - https://help.reckon.com/article/bza3n41wfo

The above is a crucial step as it will remove the balances sent for your employees on the ATO end so they don't appear un-finalised when tax time rolls around next year.

Once that's been completed, you'll need to setup a separate STP entity in GovConnect under your existing account for your ABN, but this time under branch 002.

You'll also need to update your ABN details in your Reckon Accounts Hosted file so that it points to the new STP entity under 002.

I know that's a fair bit of info so if you have any questions, please let us know.

AlyshaDew

Thanks @Rav i have successfully done this following the steps. FYI re reasons for business having different branch numbers https://community.ato.gov.au/s/question/a0JRF000000gyNx/p00271922

Acctd4

@AlyshaDew Just a heads-up for future reference, to be wary of advice given on the ATO Community - That forum is just run by general ATO staff (eg including telephone/admin employees) not necessarily qualified tax specialists, with any/appropriate tax subject knowledge 😬

The advice on there is often completely incorrect so personally, I never use that forum as a resource 🙄🤨😣

There may be other purposes too, but branch numbers are also assigned when an entity has more than one business operating under a single ABN.