Occasionally, HandiTax users may receive the Error: 'SBR Lodgment Failed' when attempting to communicate with the ATO.
Things to check:
HandiTax is not on the latest version.
The system time, date, or time zone is incorrect.
Other causes:
The Windows Operating System (OS) is no longer supported.
Changes to the Transport Layer Security (TLS).
The ATO is experiencing an outage.
HandiTax is not on the latest version
Ensure that HandiTax is on the latest version.
Log in to HandiTax, then go to Help, About.
Click the Software Updates hyperlink to navigate to Software Downloads page for ODB version or Software Downloads page for SQL version.
The ATO regularly updates the digital certificates in the PLS System (SBR). This requires HandiTax to be on the latest version.
The system time, date, or time zone is incorrect
Check that the date and time on the computer are correct to the minute. Use Google to search 'Time' to give you the correct time that your computer must report.
Check the time zone on the local PC and Server and alter if required.
Set to automatic sync time and date with the server.
If the time and date are still incorrect, adjust them manually or contact your IT for guidance.
The Windows Operating System is no longer supported
The ATO is experiencing an outage
Log in to HandiTax.
Go to Help, SBR System status.
Then Help, PLS dashboard.
If any issues are reported on these websites, you can attempt the lodgment at a later time.
Changes in the Transport Layer Security (TLS) as of April 2025
Due to recent changes in the Transport Layer Security (TLS) used by the ATO’s lodging service, some users may be unable to prefill using the ATO Credential Authentication (AS4) method.
If the above suggestions have not resolved your error, additional troubleshooting may assist.