client-to-agent linking steps

Businesses/Entities with an ABN excluding sole traders need to nominate a registered agent in the ATO online services.

You only need to do this when you:

engage a new tax or BAS agent, or payroll service provider to represent you
provide extra authorisation to your existing authorised agent (for example, they start representing you for a new obligation, such as income tax or a new entity in your group.)

These steps have been put in place to enhance security measures between clients and tax agents against identity related theft or fraud, ensuring that only authorised professionals have access to their clients financial data.

Contact the ATO or your registered agent if you need guidance. Your agent can assist you, but they cannot complete the process for you

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 authority
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 started

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 myGovID

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 the ATO to complete Step 2.

Note: myGovID is unique to you, using your personal information – you cannot share it with others.

Step 2: Link your myGovID to your ABN

You’ll need to link your myGovID to your Australian business number (ABN) using Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM)

If you have a Strong myGovID go to RAM and log in. Select Link your business and follow the prompts.

You’ll need to contact the ATO to complete this step if you:

have a Standard myGovID
are a primary person – 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.

For more information, see How to link your business online

Step 3: Log in to Online services for business

Use your myGovID to log in to Online services for business

Step 4: Nominate your authorised agent in Online services for business

To 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.

You’ll now see your agent’s details listed under Agent nominations.

For more information, go to Agent nomination.

Step 5: Let your agent know you have nominated them

The 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.

Support information

If you experience any errors while completing the agent nomination process, contact the ATO on 13 28 66 or get your agent for help.