Overview of linking process
We're further strengthening the security of our online services to help protect you and your clients against fraud and identity-related theft.
From 13 November 2023, all types of entities with an ABN excluding sole traders will need to nominate you as their agent before you can add them to your client list. They will need to use the new agent nomination feature in Online services for business when they:
Existing client links are not affected. You do not need to do anything if your client doesn't change their existing arrangements.
Do you have access to Online services for business?
To complete step 1-2 you must be the principal authorityExternal Link.
This is the person responsible for the business and must be the first person to set up access to Online services for business. If you're not sure what role you have, see Get startedExternal Link.
Step 1: Set up your Digital ID (myGovID)Download the myGovID app, available from the App Store or Google and follow these instructions on how to set up your myGovIDExternal Link.
Choose your identity strength:
Step 2: Link your myGovID to your ABNYou'll need to link your myGovID to your Australian business number (ABN) using Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM)External Link.
If you have a Strong myGovID go to RAMExternal Link and log in. Select Link your business and follow the prompts.
You'll need to contact usExternal Link to complete this step if you:
Step 3: Log in to Online services for businessUse your myGovID to log in to Online services for businessExternal Link.
Step 4: Nominate your authorised agent in Online services for businessTo complete this step you'll need your agent's (or payroll service provider’s) registered agent number.
From the Online services for business home page:
For more information, go to Agent nomination process.
Step 5: Let your agent know you have nominated themThe agent you nominate won't receive an automated system notification. It’s important to let them know when you've completed the nomination step. Your agent has 28 days to action the nomination before it expires.
Extending a nomination
If the agent you've nominated needs more time to add you as a client, you can use the Extend feature. This will add another 28 days to your nomination from the day you extend.
The Extend feature will become available the day after submitting a nomination. It will remain available to select anytime during the 28 calendar days of the original nomination period.
To extend a nomination:
Courtesy of ATO
We're further strengthening the security of our online services to help protect you and your clients against fraud and identity-related theft.
From 13 November 2023, all types of entities with an ABN excluding sole traders will need to nominate you as their agent before you can add them to your client list. They will need to use the new agent nomination feature in Online services for business when they:
- engage a new tax or BAS agent or payroll service provider to represent them
- provide extra authorisation to you as their existing authorised agent (for example, you start representing them for a new obligation, such as income tax or a new entity in their group).
Existing client links are not affected. You do not need to do anything if your client doesn't change their existing arrangements.
Do you have access to Online services for business?
- Yes Go to step 3.
- No Go to step 1.
To complete step 1-2 you must be the principal authorityExternal Link.
This is the person responsible for the business and must be the first person to set up access to Online services for business. If you're not sure what role you have, see Get startedExternal Link.
Step 1: Set up your Digital ID (myGovID)Download the myGovID app, available from the App Store or Google and follow these instructions on how to set up your myGovIDExternal Link.
Choose your identity strength:
- A Strong myGovID – by verifying your Australian passport and either birth certificate, citizenship certificate, driver licence or Medicare card.
- A Standard myGovID – by verifying 2 Australian identity documents. With a Standard myGovID you will need to contact usExternal Link to complete Step 2.
Step 2: Link your myGovID to your ABNYou'll need to link your myGovID to your Australian business number (ABN) using Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM)External Link.
If you have a Strong myGovID go to RAMExternal Link and log in. Select Link your business and follow the prompts.
You'll need to contact usExternal Link to complete this step if you:
- have a Standard myGovID
- are a primary personExternal Link – this is a type of principal authority who's not listed as an individual associate in the Australian Business Register. For example, the authorised contact of a government entity.
Step 3: Log in to Online services for businessUse your myGovID to log in to Online services for businessExternal Link.
Step 4: Nominate your authorised agent in Online services for businessTo complete this step you'll need your agent's (or payroll service provider’s) registered agent number.
From the Online services for business home page:
- select Profile, then Agent details
- at the Agent nominations feature, select Add
- on the Nominate agent screen, go to Search for agent
- type your agent’s (or payroll service provider's) registered agent number and select Search
- select the agent you want to nominate
- check that the agent's details are correct
- complete the Declaration
- select Submit.
For more information, go to Agent nomination process.
Step 5: Let your agent know you have nominated themThe agent you nominate won't receive an automated system notification. It’s important to let them know when you've completed the nomination step. Your agent has 28 days to action the nomination before it expires.
Extending a nomination
If the agent you've nominated needs more time to add you as a client, you can use the Extend feature. This will add another 28 days to your nomination from the day you extend.
The Extend feature will become available the day after submitting a nomination. It will remain available to select anytime during the 28 calendar days of the original nomination period.
To extend a nomination:
- from the Agent nomination screen in Online Services for Business, select Extend. Tip: You can find this next to your agent's name.
- at the Extend agent nomination screen, check the details of the agent are correct. If they are not correct, you can delete an agent nomination by selecting Delete.
- complete the declaration and select Submit
- let your agent know when you have completed the extension.
Courtesy of ATO