Client Identity Verification
As a Tax Agent and in compliance with requirements of the Tax Practitioner’s Board, O’Brien Accountants & Advisors now requires verification of client identities prior to providing our services.
Strong client verification helps to reduce the risk to tax practitioners and clients alike of identity theft and fraudulent activity. With an ever-increasing reliance on technology the risks presented by this continue to rise particularly in the field of accounting and tax where sensitive personal information is integral to the client services provided.
Identity verification ensures protection of clients and their personal information and provides us with assurance that a client has authority to do what they instruct us to do on their behalf. Implementing best practice measures to protect our clients with an extra layer of security also protects the integrity of O’Brien Accountants & Advisors and our work.
Commencing January 2024, we will begin identity verification checks of all new and existing clients. We aim to conduct the required activities as efficiently as possible while ensuring that our client’s personal information is managed carefully.
How will identity verification be conducted?
Digital verification
We have introduced digital identity verification through an engagement with our digital signing service provider, Annature. Verifying your identity digitally means you do not need to upload any personal identity documentation. Once complete, Annature will inform us of your verification. To initiate this process, you will receive an email from our Support team.
Visual sighting
Next time you have an appointment in our office or via video call online with your Advisor, they will ask to sight your identity document. We request that you do not provide us with copies of any identification documents, electronically or physically, we simply need to sight them either in-person or via video.
What types of identification are required?
One primary photographic identity document such as a drivers licence or passport.
OR
Two secondary identification documents are required if no photographic document is available e.g. a birth or marriage certificate or Medicare card.