Client-agent linking steps
Businesses can use our online services to nominate an agent. Contact us or your registered agent if you need help.
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Have you already set up access to Online services for business?
- Yes Go to step 4.
- No Go to step 1.
Step 1: Set up your Digital Identity (myGovID)
Remember that myGovID is different to myGov.
myGovID is the Australian Government's Digital Identity app. It allows you to prove who you are and log in to online services.
For instructions on setting up your myGovID, see How to set up myGovIDExternal Link.
Tip: You'll need at least Standard identity strength to set up your business for online services.
Step 2: Link your myGovID to your ABN
Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM)External Link is an authorisation service that allows you to access online services on behalf of a business. You'll need to use RAM to link your myGovID to your Australian business number (ABN).
The principal authorityExternal Link is the person responsible for the business, and must be the first person to link the ABN in RAM.
The way you link your myGovID to your ABN depends on your role in the business:
You can link onlineExternal Link if both:
- you have a Strong myGovID identity strength
- your name is listed in the ABR.
You'll need to contact usExternal Link to link your myGovID to your ABN if you either:
- do not have a Strong myGovID identity strength
- are not an individual associate listed in the ABR.
Step 3: Authorise others to act on your behalf (optional)
You can authorise others to act on behalf of your business (for example, employees) in RAM.
For instructions on how to authorise others, see set up authorisationsExternal Link.
Step 4: Log in to Online services for business
Use your myGovID to log in to Online services for business.
Step 5: Nominate your authorised agent in Online services for business
You'll need your agent's (or payroll service provider’s) details, such as their registered agent number (RAN) or practice name for this step.
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) RAN or practice name and select Search
- select the agent you want to nominate (if multiple results are returned, select the correct agent)
- 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.
Unable to nominate using Online services for business?
If you experience any errors while completing the agent nomination process, contact us (on 13 28 66) or your agent for help.
Before we can discuss your details or update your records, you must establish your identity. Have your agent's RAN ready so that we can search for the agent 's details.
Step 6: Let your agent know you have nominated them
Your agent has 7 days to action the nomination before it expires.
The agent you nominate won't receive an automated notification. It’s important to let them know when you've completed the nomination step.
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 7 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 7 calendar days of the original nomination period.
To extend a nomination:
- from 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.
If a nomination has expired, you won't be able to extend it. You'll need to submit a new nomination.
Businesses can use our online services to nominate an agent. Contact us or your registered agent if you need help.