Tax Return:: Client-to-agent linking

Hello, this is your tax accountant, P&C Tax Professionals.

The ATO has recently enhanced the security of their online services to bolster protection for both the tax agents and their clients against fraud and identity theft. 

Starting from 13 November 2023, all types of entities possessing an ABN, excluding sole traders, will be required to nominate their agent first in order for the agents to add you to their client list and view your details.

The steps that are introduced in this blog post only applies to businesses (excl. sole traders) who:

- Decides to engage a new tax or BAS agent, or a payroll service provider to act on their behalf

- Grant additional authorisation to their current authorised agent (e.g., they begin representing you for a new obligation like income tax).

Should you require assistance, feel free to reach out to the ATO or your registered agent. While your agent can provide guidance, they are unable to complete the process on your behalf.

Prior to commencing Steps 1 and 2

Before completing steps 1-2, you must ensure that you are the principal authority.

This principal authority is an individual who bears responsibility for the business and must be the one who initiates the process of accessing Online services for business.

Step 1: Setting up your Digital ID (myGovID)

Download the myGovID app from the App Store or Google Play and follow the prompts shown on the screen for setting up your myGovID.

During the process of setting up your digital ID, you would need to select your level of identity verification:

A Strong myGovID – which can be achieved by verifying your Australian passport and one of the following: birth certificate, citizenship certificate, driver's license, or Medicare card.

A Standard myGovID – which can be achieved by verifying two Australian identity documents. If you have opted for the standard myGov ID, you will need to get in touch with the ATO to finalise Step 2.

Note: Your myGovID is unique to you and based on your personal details – therefore, you cannot share it with other people.

Step 2: Linking your myGovID to your ABN

To link your myGovID to your Australian Business Number (ABN), you'll need to use the Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM).

If you’re holding a Strong myGovID, access RAM, log in, click on "Link your business", and follow the instructions shown on the screen.

Link to RAM:  https://info.authorisationmanager.gov.au/

You will need to contact the ATO to finalise this step if you:

- hold a Standard myGovID

- are a primary person – this is a principal authority not listed as an individual associate in the Australian Business Register.

Step 3: Access Online Services for business

Using your myGovID, log in to Online services for business.

Link to Online services for business: https://onlineservices.ato.gov.au/business/

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

To proceed with this step, you’ll need to have the registered agent number of your tax/BAS agent (or payroll service provider). P&C Tax’s registered agent number is 24713164.

Once you make your way to the Online services for business home page:

- Click on Profile, then proceed to Agent details

- Under the Agent nominations feature, click Add

- On the Nominate agent screen, navigate to Search for agent

- Enter the registered agent number of your tax/BAS agent (or payroll service provider) and click Search (P&C Tax’s registered agent number: 24713164)

- Choose the agent you are seeking to nominate

- Double-check that the agent's details are accurate

- Complete the Declaration

- Click Submit.

Your agent's details will now be visible under Agent nominations.

Step 5: Inform your agent that they have been nominated

The nominated agent will not receive an automatic system notification. It's crucial to inform them once you've finished the nomination process. Your agent has 28 days to act on the nomination before it expires.

Today’s blog post was a quick review of the newly established client-to-agent linking process. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us via our official Facebook Page (P&C Tax Professionals – Australia) or send us an email to pnctax@naver.com.

Thank you and bye for now!