ABN INPUT NOW MANDATORY IN NDIS PORTAL
The recent portal update has made the ABN field a mandatory input when making a claim which was not unexpected as the NDIA had notified Registered Plan Management Providers (RPMPs) of this change, see DIA’s previous article. What was not made clear are the requirements of RPMP’s when making claims that either do not have an ABN, or where an ABN is not required. Disability Intermediaries Australia have sought clarification on this issue and have received the following advice from the NDIA:
- If a RPMP is reimbursing participants who have paid for a support or service using their own money – RPMPs can enter the code ‘REIMB’ in the ‘ABN of Support Provider’ field in the bulk payment request CSV file, or tick ‘ABN Not Available’ checkbox and select ‘Participant Reimbursement’ from the ‘ABN Exemption Reason’ drop down box in single payment requests.
- If the service provider is exempt from quoting an ABN under Australian Taxation Office (ATO) rules – RPMPs can enter the code ‘EXCLS’ in the ‘ABN of Support Provider’ field in the bulk payment request CSV file, or tick ‘ABN Not Available’ checkbox and select ‘ATO Excluded Supply’ from the ‘ABN Exemption Reason’ drop down box in single payment requests.
Which solves the practical mandatory requirements for submitting claims. However, the NDIA went further in their advice regarding the exemption from quoting an ABN under the ATO rules, in particular the procurement of goods from overseas or second hand from an individual. The NDIA have advised that:
- Where these exclusions apply, RPMPs must request and keep a record of the completed Statement by Supplier form. If the supplier does not provide the completed Statement by Supplier form or if the RPMP has reasonable grounds to believe that the statement the supplier makes is false or misleading, RPMPs are required to withhold 47% from the total payment for the supply.
The practical application of this requirement is obviously almost impossible and something the general community are certainly not held accountable too. Further, the NDIA have not mentioned this requirement previously and have given no indication on how RPMPs would manage the process. DIA are of the firm opinion that this requirement is outside of the scope of an RPMP and, as defined by the ATO, are not the “payer” of supports so would not be required to act as the NDIA have advised.
DIA will continue to seek a clear direction from the NDIA that RPMPs are not required to withhold funds when claiming for supports that have an ABN exemption where a Statement by Supplier form is not available.
The NDIA updated the provider portal step-by-step guide on Tuesday 8th June and can be accessed here: Part 4: Administering your Services