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The ATO app is an easy and secure way to access and manage your tax and super on the go. Download the official ATO app from Google Play or the App Store only - it's free to use.
Helping you stay safe online
We have added new features to the ATO app to help individuals and sole traders keep their personal information secure. To access all the latest security features and benefits you will need to register your mobile device using the ATO app. You will be automatically prompted to complete this simple one-time process.
Real time messages
The ATO app will now alert you in real time when key changes are made to your ATO account, such as when an income tax lodgment is made or your bank account details are updated. You can then act if something doesn’t look right.
Account lock and unlock
If you are concerned about unauthorised access to your ATO account, you can keep it safe by locking it using the ATO app. Then nobody but your registered tax practitioner can access your details, make changes or lodge returns.
Once you lock your ATO account:
- you will be logged out of the ATO app
- a confirmation will be emailed to you
- you will not be able to log back in to ATO app or ATO online services
- no refunds will issue.
If you locked due to suspected fraud, you must phone us as soon as possible to discuss your concerns. We may put further controls in place to protect your information.
When you’re ready to unlock your account, use the same registered device that you locked it with to unlock it from within the app.
Case study: real time protection
Andrew and his tax agent Trevor are discussing lodging this year’s tax return. Andrew can’t wait for his tax refund, and Trevor suggests that he downloads the official ATO app to see the progress of his return once it’s lodged. Trevor also provides Andrew with the practice’s bank account details that they agree will be used.
A few days later Andrew sees a notification – his bank details have been updated. He checks this against the details Trevor shared and they don’t match. Andrew acts quickly, using the account lock feature within the ATO app. This stops the refund from going out until Andrew can confirm who made the changes.
Andrew calls the ATO about securing his account and extra controls are put in place, allowing it to be unlocked safely.
This is a general summary only. For more information or support using the ATO app, visit ato.gov.au/app.