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  • Other payment details

    Details for paying us including PRN, payment slips, processing times and fees that may apply.

    On this page:

    Payment reference number

    Your unique payment reference number (PRN) ensures your payment is credited to the correct account. A PRN may also be called an EFT code.

    You will have different payment reference numbers for different types of tax. For example, income tax and activity statements. Make sure you use the right PRN for the type of tax you're paying.

    Using an incorrect PRN could result in delays to payments being credited to your account and unnecessary debt collection activity.

    You can go online to get your payment reference number:

    Individuals – payment reference number

    Businesses – log in to Online services for businessExternal Link and:

    • Select Accounts and payments from the menu
    • Select payments then select BPAY or Other payment methods.
    Businesses – payment reference number

    Registered agents – log in to Online services for agentsExternal Link

    • on the Client summary page select Accounts summary > Payment options.
    Registered agents – payment reference number

    Alternatively, you can:

    • obtain your PRN from ATO notices or payment slips
    • ask your tax agent
    • phone 1800 815 886, 8.00am–6.00pm, Monday to Friday.

    Next step

    Payment processing times

    Payments made electronically or at Australia Post may take up to four business days to appear on your ATO account, from the date you make the payment.

    If you mail a cheque or money order to us, you will need to take into account postal service delivery timesExternal Link. Once we receive your payment, it may take a further four business days to be allocated to your ATO account.

    See also

    Payment slips

    You'll need a payment slip to pay at the post office. Make sure you have the correct payment slip for the account you want to pay. Payment slips are generally available on notices of assessment or statements of account.

    Business taxpayers can print a payment slip using Online services for businessExternal Link:

    • Select Accounts and payments from the menu, then Accounts Summary.
    • Choose the account required, then click Payment options, then select BPAY or Other payment methods. Select Print-friendly version to print the payment slip.

    If you need to order a payment slip:

    • phone 13 28 66 to order an activity statement with payment slip – you'll need your Australian business number (ABN) and be an authorised representative of the business to use this service
    • phone 13 28 61 to order an ATO notice with an income tax payment slip – you'll need your tax file number (TFN) to use this service.

    Before we can discuss your details or update your records, you must establish your identity.

    Registered agents can use Online services for agentsExternal Link to print payment options for their clients – on the Client summary page select Accounts summary > Payment options.

    Card terms and conditions

    Card payment fee

    A fee will apply to card payments.

    The fee:

    • is a percentage of the amount being paid, based on the type of card
    • is charged by your card supplier, not the ATO
    • will be reviewed from time to time and may change
    • is not part of your ATO debt
    • is not subject to goods and services tax (GST)
    • may be a deductible expense based on your circumstances.
    Card payment fees

    Card type

    Fee

    American Express

    1.45%

    MasterCard – International

    1.99%

    MasterCard – Domestic Debit

    0.20%

    MasterCard – Domestic Credit

    0.77%

    Visa – International

    1.99%

    Visa – Domestic Debit

    0.40%

    Visa – Domestic Credit

    0.72%

    Before you finalise your payment, you'll be advised of the total amount including the fee.

    See also

    Card payment receipts

    When you pay using any of our card payment services, we'll give you a receipt number. The payment details will be displayed on your card statement as 'ATO payment' and 'Card payment fee – ATO'.

    Last modified: 01 Dec 2021QC 50297