How myID and the ATO app protect you
Scammers and fraudsters are constantly evolving, and we continue to evolve our security to protect you. However, there are practical steps you can take to help protect your account.
Using myID and the ATO app together provides the best protection for your ATO account.
myID protects the front door, providing a more secure sign in option. The ATO app alerts you to potential intruders inside the house and allows you to lock it down.
Follow the steps below to protect your account now.
Set up and use myID to sign in
myID is the Australian Government's Digital ID app and is the most secure way to sign in to ATO online services through myGov.
Unlike other sign in methods, setting up myID requires you to verify your ID. This makes it harder for someone else to access your account, even if they have your personal details.
Once you use myID to sign in, you'll continue to use it to access ATO online services.
To secure your sign in:
- Download the myID app from the official app stores listed below.
- Set up your myIDExternal Link to either a Strong or Standard identity strength - if you can, set up your myID to Strong for the highest security.
- Go to myGov and select Sign in with Digital ID and follow the prompts to connect your Digital ID.
- Select Australian Taxation Office from your linked services.
Your sign in is now secured. To maintain this protection, continue using your myID with the same (or higher) identity strength when accessing our online services in future.
Using a Digital ID is voluntary. If you’d like to change the way you sign in to ATO online services, you’ll need to contact us.
Download the ATO app
The ATO app is a simple, secure and easy way you can manage your tax and super on the go. The ATO app is free to download and use.
As an individual or sole trader, you can quickly access your personal tax and super information in one place. There are several helpful features and tools you can use.
The ATO app's year-round security benefits include:
- real time security messages alerting you when key changes are made to your ATO account
- the ability to lock your account to help keep you safe
- the Verify call feature which allows you to quickly confirm the identity of callers claiming to be from the ATO.
Even if you don’t use the ATO app to manage your tax, or use an agent to manage your tax affairs, it provides additional security and peace of mind.
Download the ATO app from the App Store or Google Play. Once installed, make sure to enable push notifications so you're instantly alerted to changes in your account.
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra