Register to use our online services

Register for an AUSkey

If you run a business or are a tax practitioner AUSkey is your single key to access government online services. Your AUSkey comes with:

• Fast and easy online registration - in most cases, you'll be able to use your AUSkey almost immediately
• Flexible installation options - you can install your AUSkey on your computer, a USB stick, a server or a combination of these options
• AUSkey Credential Manager - you can view, update and cancel your own AUSkeys.

If you are an Administrator AUSkey holder, you can register other people for AUSkeys and view, update and cancel any AUSkey associated with your business.

Automatic renewal - as long as you use your AUSkey at least once each year, it will not expire.

Register

To register for an AUSkey, you'll need both:

• an ABN
• someone listed as an associate of the business on the Australian Business Register to complete the online form (if you are registering for the first AUSkey in the business).

Your business details on the Australian Business Register (ABR), including names of authorised people (associate details) must be current.

To update your details on the ABR you need to phone:

• 13 28 66 for businesses
• 13 72 86 Fast Key Code 1 1 3 for registered agents.

If you have an existing online security credential (Administrator AUSkey) you can update your ABN details online via:

• the ABR website
• the portals
• the electronic lodgment service - for registered tax agents only.

Registered agents need to use the ABN of the business entity that is registered by the Tax Practitioners Board as the registered agent on the application. You must not use the ABN of an associated entity.

Once you have an AUSkey, log in to our portals from our homepage.

Registering for the first AUSkey in the business

You must be listed as an associate of the business on the Australian Business Register to complete the online form. You need to nominate someone to be the first Administrator AUSkey holder for the business - this could be yourself or another person.

A sole trader can also apply for the first Administrator AUSkey if the business is sole trading.

Once the first AUSkey is obtained for the business, there is no need to involve associates in the day to day management of AUSkeys. Any Administrator AUSkey holder can log in to the Australian Business Register's website abr.gov.au/auskey and register other people in the business for an AUSkey.

If you are a registered agent

When registering for an AUSkey, use the ABN of the business entity that is registered by the Tax Practitioners Board as the registered agent on your application. You must not use the ABN of an associated entity.

If you are unsure of which ABN to use, check which entity is registered:

• on the Tax Practitioners Board website
• by contacting the Tax Practitioners Board.

If you have been issued with multiple registered agent numbers for various branches under the main registration, your AUSkey will be able to access all of these numbers. However, if you are associated with two or more entities that are each registered individually, for example as a company and a sole practitioner, you will need an AUSkey for each entity.

If you are a registered BAS agent

From 1 March 2010, new BAS agents who register with the Tax Practitioner Board must register for an AUSkey to access the BAS Agent Portal.

You will not be able to access the portal using your AUSkey until we have received confirmation of your registration with the Tax Practitioners Board.

Only registered BAS agents can access the BAS Agent Portal. The Tax Practitioners Board will notify us of your registration and we will include you as an approved user. You will receive notification when you have initial access to the BAS Agent Portal.