Linking ATO online services to myGov
Check your personal details are in the correct format:
- TFN – 9-digit number, no spaces
- Given name – the first 40 characters
- Family name – the first 40 characters
- One name only – enter your name in the Family name field only.
If you still get an error message, check the following table for support.
Error message or known issue | What you can do |
|---|---|
Unable to link To link to the ATO, you need to sign in using your Digital ID with the same identity strength you've previously achieved Error codes: PAB.DE.0006, PAB.DE.0007 | You’ve previously used your myID to sign in to ATO online services or the ATO app. For security reasons, this automatically set your online access strength. This means you must always use your myID to link to or access ATO online services. To re-link to the ATO, you need to sign in to your myGov account using your myID with same identity strength (or higher) that you previously achieved. For example, if you used a myID with a Strong identity strength to sign in previously, you need to use your Strong myID to sign in now. You need to:
The identity strength of your myID is unique to each device. If you've set up your myID againExternal Link on a new or additional device, check that the identity strength matches the identity strength you previously achieved. If you're still unable to meet your online access strength you will need to contact us. If you didn't set your online access strength or you suspect someone has accessed your myGov account and ATO online services without your permission, contact us to report this immediately. |
Unable to link Unable to complete link as details don't match customer record. | Check you’ve entered these details correctly. Find your myGov personal details (name and date of birth):
These details will only appear if you have a link to either Medicare or Centrelink. If these details are incorrect, you’ll need to contact either Centrelink or MedicareExternal Link to update them. If the details displayed are correct, you'll need to contact us to update your ATO record. |
Two attempts remaining One attempt remaining | Check the information is entered in the correct format. To find the correct format, read the instructions or click on the help (?) icon for format advice. If you're unable to answer, select another question about information in your tax record. You can find out more about the information you need for linking to us on myGov. |
Linking lockout This occurs when you’ve had 3 failed attempts to link to us. For security purposes you won’t be able to link for one hour. | Try again after the one-hour lockout has expired. Check the information is entered in the correct format. To check the correct format, read the instructions or click on the help (?) icon for format advice. If you're unable to answer, select another question specific to you. You can find out more about information you need for linking to us on myGov. |
Unable to sign in to myGov You may not be able to sign in to your myGov account if you don't have access to security codes. | |
Cannot find link This message appears when attempting to navigate from myGov to ATO online. This means myGov is unable to find an active link to the ATO. | You need to link your myGov account to the ATO before you can access ATO online services. If you have previously linked your account to the ATO, return to the myGov homepage, and select View and link services to check your ATO link status:
Once you've received confirmation that the ATO has been unlinked, you should select Link to link again. |
Unable to verify Ineligible to link | If you receive one of these error messages, you will need to contact us. |
See Create a myGov account and link it to the ATO.
Using ATO online services
Error message or known issue | What you can do |
|---|---|
Your sign in method doesn't meet minimum access requirements | You've previously used your myID to sign in to ATO online services of the ATO app. For security reasons, this automatically set your online access strength. This means you must always use your myID to link to or access ATO online services. To access ATO online services, you need to sign in to your myGov account using your myID with the same identity strength (or higher) that you previously achieved. For example, if you used a myID with a Strong identity strength to sign in previously, you need to use your Strong myID to sign in now. The identity strength of your myID is unique to each device. If you set up your myID againExternal Link on a new or additional device, check that the identity strength matches the identity strength you previously achieved. If you're still unable to meet your online access strength you will need to contact us. If you didn't set your online access strength or you suspect someone has accessed your myGov account and ATO online services without your permission, contact us to report this immediately. |
authentication_cancelled | Your login has been cancelled when connecting to ATO online services. To resolve this:
If the problem persists, contact us. |
Unable to login | You may be impacted by a data breach where your personal information is stolen by an unauthorised third party. Data breaches can include both physical and digital records. We apply protective measures to protect your tax records from identity and refund fraud. If we apply these measures:
You will need to contact us. |
An error has occurred (001) |
If the problem persists, contact us. |
Your settings are blocking this page from loading (002) | Check your device to see if you have an ad blocker, browser add-on or anti-virus software installed. You may need to update the settings of this software (check your software provider's instructions) to allow our website to display. For example, by allowing content from the ato.gov.au domain which will enable access to onlineservices.ato.gov.au. You can generally find icons for ad blockers and other add-ons near the address bar in your browser. Alternatively, try using another device or browser. If you have followed the above steps and continue to experience this issue, contact us. |
A system issue error message is displayed Examples include:
| We recommend waiting an hour before trying again. When you try again:
If the problem persists, contact us. |
Using myTax
Known issue | What you can do |
|---|---|
Lodged return displaying as 'Not lodged' or 'Resume' on the ATO online services homepage Some returns may not display as lodged immediately after lodgment and may still appear in the For action section on the ATO online services homepage. | If you:
If the lodgment is still displaying as Not lodged or Resume after 3 days, contact us. |
Unable to see 2024–25 tax return or 'Prepare' link in the 'For action' box | If you can’t see your return online, or there’s no ‘prepare’ link, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to lodge. It may be because you’ve previously told us your last lodged return would be your final tax return. We understand accidents happen and circumstances change. If you do need to lodge, contact us. |
Using the ATO app
Error message or known issue | What you can do |
|---|---|
Your sign in method doesn't meet minimum access requirements | You've previously used your myID to sign in to ATO online services or the ATO app. For security reasons, this automatically set your online access strength. This means you must always use your myID to link to or access ATO online services. To access ATO online services, including via the ATO app, you need to sign in to your myGov account using your myID with the same identity strength (or higher) that you previously achieved. For example, if you used a myID with a Strong identity strength to sign in previously, you need to use your Strong myID to sign in now. The identity strength of your myID is unique to each device. If you set up your myID againExternal Link on a new or additional device, check that the identity strength matches the identity strength you previously achieved. If you're still unable to meet your online access strength you will need to contact us. If you didn't set your online access strength or you suspect someone has accessed your myGov account and ATO online services without your permission, contact us to report this immediately. |
Unable to view the latest information such as financial year or unable to access a feature within the app |
|
A system error message displays Examples may include:
| Ensure you have the latest version of the app installed. If the error message:
If you continue to receive the same error message, you can contact us to report the issue. Take note of and tell us the error code you receive. |
In myDeductions ‘Unable to upload your records’ This might happen when you are attempting to upload myDeductions records to the ATO. |
If you continue to receive this error message, you can contact us to report the issue. |
In myDeductions – error trip recording on OPPO devices OPPO devices include a setting which prevents apps from running in the background. If you go out of the app or your device goes into standby mode while recording a GPS trip, this setting can cause the ATO app to stop tracking your trip. | To resolve this issue, on your device, select:
These steps may vary slightly depending on the device you have. |
Android – Private Space | If you lock the ATO app in a Private Space on your Android device, it can't run in the background or receive notifications. This means some functionality will be limited, for example:
If you want to use this functionality, you will need to either:
If you have myDeductions data, you will need to back up your data. The ATO app will need to be reinstalled outside of the Private Space and quick login set up again. |
Using myID to apply for a TFN
Known issues | What you can do |
|---|---|
‘An error has occurred. We are currently experiencing technical difficulties. We apologise for any inconvenience. Try again later.’ Some users are receiving this error message after submitting their online TFN application form. | We’re currently investigating this issue. If the issue persists, consider using an alternative method to apply for a TFN. |
Using Individuals Auto-Registration to apply for a TFN
Known issues | What you can do |
|---|---|
When applying for a TFN in IAR, you may receive the following error message: Your info entered does not match that held by the Department of Home Affairs This issue can occur when the time zone on your device is not set to an Australian time zone. | Set your device to an Australian time zone. Then resubmit the application. |