ELS lodgements using Windows Vista

Thursday 15th February, 2007

Yesterday, in eLink 05/07 (dated 14th February 2007) the ATO advised Tax Agents "If you have upgraded to Windows Vista you will not be able to lodge returns using ELS."

This is because the current release version of the third party lodgement software Cisco Systems VPN Client is not compatible with Windows Vista. The ATO have indicated that Cisco are working on a fix but are not likely to have a fully supported version of Cisco until at least the end of March 2007.

There is a beta version of the Cisco VPN Client software which does work with Windows Vista. This version has not yet been certified by Cisco as a fully tested release version, so tax software suppliers are not able to freely distribute it to their clients.

The ATO have advised us "Tax Agents wishing to use VISTA prior to June 07 can contact 13 72 86 fast key code 35 where arrangements will be made by the tax office to distribute the Cisco VPN beta product".