Important:
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has announced a breaking change that will take immediate effect on Thursday night, 18 December 2025. This change impacts the current ATO Credential Authentication method and will prevent lodgments unless you act.
What you need to do now;
Check your ATO connection method, go to the menu, Lodgment > Set ATO Credential.
If you have already switched to the Access ATO Gateway based on our recent communications, you are not affected by this change, and no further action is required.
If you are currently using the ATO Credential Authentication method, you either need to switch to the Access ATO Gateway or install HandiTax V1.04 before 18 December 2025 to maintain connectivity after the ATO’s change.
Access ATO Gateway – our recommended solution.
The Access ATO Gateway connection service is not affected by the ATO’s latest change.
By switching to the Access ATO Gateway, you will:
✔ Avoid disruption from the 18 December change
✔ Be ready for the upcoming TLS 1.3 security requirement on 31 January 2026
✔ Ensure a secure, future-proof connection to ATO services
Do not download if you are subscribed to HandiSoft Online, as your updates are maintained by The Access Group.
Click the relevant link below to begin the download for HandiTax desktop versions:
Access HandiTax ODB 2025 V1.04
Access HandiTax SQL 2025 V1.04
If you are unsure whether you are using the ODB or SQL version, check your program to confirm.
HandiSoft and The Access Group are working closely with the ATO on this change and following their guidelines under the ATO’s Operational Security Framework.
Switch to the Access ATO Gateway
Log in to HandiTax.
Go to Options, Set ATO Credentials.
Select Access ATO Gateway, enter your keystore password, and click OK.
Click OK again, and then close HandiTax.
You are now required to register the Software ID with the ATO.
Log back in to HandiTax and attempt a lodgment or prefill.
Note: After the changes have been made, we recommend that all other users log out and then log back in to HandiTax for the changes to take effect.