Is AUSkey mandantory for business owners who report tax return on his own?

[Weiwu Zhang]

New to Australia, operating under my own name, have ABN, preparing in advance my first report by 30th June. Since I only did one hand of business, should be easy and no reason to delay. I noticed everywhere the website says "you can", not "you must", have an AUSKey, but it seems one can't proceed on unless he obtains such a unit. Is it a must? I have 10+ usb keys from all banks and governments (where I was from), had to respond to recall & forced upgrade every year, hate to have one additional more.. Most of these keys are used once a year only, when the OS (be linux or Windows) or computer is already another one. I have perfectly safe long passwords by the way.

[Patrick Webster]

AUSkey is a SSL client certificate, so yes without the certificate installed the ATO cannot confirm the BAS you report to them originated from you and not Alice or Bob.

You can still report via paper and post if you wish.

[Weiwu Zhang]

Thanks! I will request for one of these. Will later try to get it working on my new computer which will be Ubuntu 15.04.

Best regards.