Get the Easy Read version

We also have an Easy Read version of this page – How to create a myGov account and link to your tax and super.

Create a myGov account

A myGov account lets you link to and access a range of government services online in one place.

To create an account, set up and use myID with a Strong or Standard identity strength. This is one of the most secure ways to sign in to myGov and ATO online services. It can simplify the linking process and provide additional security for your ATO account.

Alternatively, use your email address (that only you have access to) and 2-factor authentication, such as a code by SMS or an authenticator.

For your security, you can't use Answer a secret question as your sign-in option when linking to or accessing our online services. If you selected this, you'll need to update your myGov sign in option.

Create a myGov account

If you already have a myGov account but you can't sign in, see When you can't sign in to your myGov account.

Link the ATO to your myGov account

Before you start:

• get the information you need to link the ATO to your myGov account
• consider using myID to sign in – it's a more secure sign-in option and can simplify the linking process.

Link the ATO to your myGov account in the following 4 steps:

1. Sign in to your myGov account.
2. Follow the prompts to link to the ATO.
3. Enter or confirm your personal details.
4. Answer questions to confirm your identity.

If you can't confirm your identity online, we will let you know what to do next.

For detailed steps on how to link your myGov account to the ATO, watch our video:

myGov sign-in options

To link the ATO to your myGov account, you must sign in using one of the following options:

• myID (recommended) – set up to a Strong or Standard identity strength
• passkeyExternal Link
• an authenticator to generate a one-time code
• get a code by SMS using an Australian mobile number.

Use your myID, passkeyExternal Link, or authenticator if you:

• don’t have an Australian mobile number
• are overseas
• have poor mobile reception.

Using myID to sign in

We recommend using myID, the Australian Government's Digital ID app, to sign in. Using myID provides a more secure sign-in option and can help simplify the linking process.

Download and set up the myID app to a Strong or Standard identity strengthExternal Link (the higher the identity strength, the more protection). Then use it to create your myGov account or sign inExternal Link.

Using your myID to link to or access ATO online services:

• gives you a flexible sign in option – your myID isn't locked to a specific mobile number or device, and can be set up again using only an internet connection if you get a new phone
• provides better account security – unlike multifactor authentication, myID requires you to verify your identity in the app making it harder for fraudsters to impersonate you
• sets your online access strength – this means you should continue to use your myID to access ATO online services through myGov – it's one of the most secure access methods and provides additional security for your ATO account.

Check or change your myGov sign-in option

You can check and update your myGov sign-in options in your myGov account under Sign in settings.

When changing your sign-in option, you can also add another sign-in option as a backup.

Once you've accessed ATO online services using your myID, you should always access ATO online services using your myID. This is because it's one of the most secure access methods and provides additional security for your ATO account.

If you change your sign-in option to Answer a secret question as the only option, your myGov account will be unlinked from the ATO as this is a less secure sign-in option.

Troubleshooting linking issues

If you have trouble linking to the ATO, check:

• that your systems meet the minimum system requirements
• help and support for our online services (including error codes)
• if the system is affected by our system maintenance.

Get the Easy Read version

We also have an Easy Read version of this page – Proving who you are to link the ATO to your myGov account.

Linking the ATO to myGov

To link the ATO to your myGov account, we’ll ask you to provide some information to confirm your identity. This page helps you prepare the information you may need.

You don't need to answer questions on all of the topics below. The questions will be based on information the ATO already has about you, and may include:

• Bank account details
• Super account details
• Notice of assessment
• Centrelink payment summary
• Dividend statement
• PAYG payment summary
• Travel document
• Managed fund statement
• TFN application lodgment receipt
• Income tax return or business activity statement (BAS)
• ATO payment plan details
• Recent payslip

Bank account details

Use a bank account:

• where you've received your ATO refund, or
• that has earned interest in the last 2 financial years.

You can find this information:

• on your bank statement
• in your bank's mobile app or online banking
• on the tax document you lodged with us that included your bank details.

If you've lodged your tax return using a tax agent, your tax refund may have gone to their bank account.

Super account details

Use details from an active superannuation account.

You can find this information:

• on a super statement
• on your payslip from your employer
• in your online super account
• in an email from your super fund
• by phoning your super fund.

Notice of assessment

Use a notice of assessment issued in the last 5 years.

You can find this information:

• in a letter from us
• through your tax agent, if you use one.

Centrelink payment summary

Use a Centrelink payment summary issued in the last 2 financial years.

You can find this information:

• on the annual statement that Centrelink provides you
• in your Centrelink online account through myGovExternal Link.

Dividend statement

Use a dividend statement from the last 2 years.

You can find this information:

• in letters or emails from the company or investment fund
• in your investment account
• by phoning the company or fund.

PAYG payment summary

Use a pay as you go (PAYG) payment summary issued in the last 2 financial years.

You can find this information:

• from your employer
• by phoning us on 13 28 61.

Travel document

If you applied for your tax file number (TFN) as a permanent migrant or temporary visitor, use the most recent application submitted within the last 4 years.

You can find this information:

• on the document you used
• in old application records.

Managed fund statement

Use a statement from a managed fund about your investment from the current or previous financial year.

You can find this information:

• from the managed fund
• in your investment account
• by contacting the fund provider.

TFN application lodgment receipt

Use the receipt reference number you received when you applied for your TFN.

You can find this information in an email or letter you received at the time you applied.

Income tax return or business activity statement (BAS)

Use a tax document you lodged with us in the last 2 years that shows a refund amount, such as a tax return or a BAS. You’ll need the refund amount from that document.

You can find this information:

• from your tax agent, if you use one
• in your business software, if you use it
• in your records.

ATO payment plan details

Use details from an active payment plan you set up with us from the last 2 years.

You can find this information:

• in letters or messages from us
• by phoning us on 13 28 61.

Recent payslip

Use a payslip from your employer, generally the most recently issued one.

You can find this information:

• from your employer
• in emails or paper payslips.

Support

You can skip a question if you’re unsure of the answer. However, skipping all questions will count as a failed attempt.

If you’re unable to confirm your identity online, we’ll guide you on what to do next.

If you receive an error message or experience an issue when entering the above information, see our Help and support for online services – individuals.

Sign in issues

You can find support on the myGov websiteExternal Link if you:

• forgot your username
• forgot your password
• forgot your email address
• didn't receive your code by SMS
• need help using your passkey.

If you're still unable to sign in to your myGov account and you don't have an alternative sign-in option enabled, you can either:

• Recover your account using myID
• Create a new myGov account and relink to the ATO

Recover your account using myID

If you used code sent by SMS, answer a secret question, passkey or an authenticator as your sign-in method, you can use myID to recover your account.

To access ATO online services, you’ll need to sign in to your myGov account using your myID. Your myID must have the same or higher identity strength than you previously achieved.

Download the myID app to get started. We recommend setting your identity strength to Strong.External Link

Your name, date of birth and email address for your myGov account must match the details you use to set up your myID. If they’re different, you can update your detailsExternal Link within the myID app before using it to recover your myGov account.

To recover your myID account using myID:

1. Go to the Sign in to myGovExternal Link page.
2. Enter your myGov username and password and select Sign in.
3. Select I didn’t get my code, I can't access my app or I can't answer my question.
4. Select Continue with Digital ID.
5. Sign in with your myID and follow the prompts.

Once you’ve recovered your account, if you access ATO online services with your Strong myID you’ll set your online access strength. This means you must always access ATO online services using your Strong myID. This is because it's one of the most secure access methods and provides additional security when relinking your ATO account.

Create a new myGov account and relink to the ATO

If you can't recover your account using a Strong myID, you'll need to create a new myGov account.

When creating your new myGov account, you can use a different email address. If you want to use the same email address, you must contact the myGov help deskExternal Link to release it.

Where you're unable to set up a Strong myID, we recommend using a Standard myID to sign in to myGov. This is a more secure sign-in option and using it can simplify the linking process.

Once you've created your new myGov account, you can link it to the ATO.

Avoid losing access in future

Where you can, we recommend using myID for secure and flexible access to ATO online services.

If you're unable or choose not to use myID, we recommend enabling a back-up sign-in option:

1. In myGov, go to My account.
2. Select Account settings.
3. Select Sign in settings and follow the prompts.

Access to ATO online services

To access ATO online services, you must create a myGov account and link it to the ATO. We recommend using myID for more secure and flexible access to ATO online services.

Before you link to us, you can try the available functions and features in our online services using our ATO online services simulator.

There are minimum system requirements for using ATO online services.

Manage your personal details

Use ATO online services to manage your personal details – find out how to:

• update your TFN registration details
• maintain your credit or debit card details.

Manage your employment details

Use ATO online services to access and complete employment forms in ATO online for new employment, or to update details with your employer or other payers.

Employment forms available in ATO online services include:

• Tax file number declaration
• Superannuation (super) fund standard choice
• Withholding declaration
• Medicare levy variation declaration.

If your employer has their own electronic form, complete their form. If you're unsure, check with your employer.

View your tax information

Use ATO online services to view your:

• Tax file number (TFN)
• Australian business number (ABN)
• Communication history
• Debt on hold
• Payment plan status or request a payment plan
• Study or training support loan
• Individual tax documents
• Additional tax information.

Tax file number (TFN)

To view or find your TFN:

1. Go to My profile.
2. Select Personal details.

Australian business number (ABN)

To view or find your ABN if you're a sole trader:

1. Go to My profile.
2. Select Personal details.

Communication history

To view or find most past communications about your tax information:

1. Go to My profile.
2. Select Communication.
3. Select History.

Debt on hold

We have step-by-step instructions on how to view your debt on hold or any offsetting that has occurred.

Payment plan status or request a payment plan

You may be eligible to set up, adjust or cancel an existing payment plan. You can set up a payment plan online if you owe $200,000 or less.

To check the status or set up a payment plan:

1. Go to Tax.
2. Select Payments.
3. Select Payment plans.

You can also check the status of an existing payment plan.

Study or training support loan

To view your study or training support loan online:

1. Go to Tax.
2. Select Accounts.
3. Select Loan accounts.

Individual tax documents

You can use ATO online services to review and print copies of individual tax documents, for example a notice of assessment, income statement or lodged income tax return.

To view your notice of assessment:

1. Go to Tax.
2. Select Lodgments.
3. Select Income tax.
4. Select History.
5. Select Notice of Assessment link for the relevant year.

To view your income statement:

1. Go to Employment.
2. Select Income statements.

To get a copy of your lodged tax return:

1. Go to Tax.
2. Select Lodgments.
3. Select Income tax.
4. Select History.
5. Select View details for the relevant year.
6. Print (Ctrl + P) or save (Ctrl + S) – a new screen Customer Copy Only will appear from the bottom of the screen.

Additional tax information

You can also use ATO online services to:

• view third-party data we hold on your securities records in ATO online services
• receive notifications and communications from us in your myGov Inbox.

Lodge and pay your tax

Find out more about how to lodge and pay your tax using ATO online services:

• Lodge your tax return online with myTax
• Check the progress and status of your return
• Amend your income tax return
• Lodge a non-lodgment advice
• Lodge, pay, vary or manage your PAYG instalments online
• Lodge your claim for a refund of franking credits.

Manage your tax and super as a sole trader

If you have an active ABN, you can use ATO online services to manage your other lodgments:

• Add, update or cancel tax registrations
• Lodge super guarantee charge statement
• Single Touch Payroll deferral or exemptions
• Request a transfer or refund
• Lodge a private ruling or objection application
• Send or access secure mail
• Information about managing your lodgments.

Add, update or cancel tax registrations

To add, update or cancel eligible tax registration:

1. Go to Tax.
2. Select
   • Manage
   • Tax registrations.

Add a tax registration

To add a tax registration:

1. Select
   • Current tab
   • Add
2. Go to the Select registration drop-down menu and choose from the list
   • Goods and services tax (GST)
   • PAYG withholding
   • PAYG Instalments
   • Luxury car tax (LCT)
   • Wine equalisation tax (WET)
   • Fuel tax credits (FTC).
3. Complete the registration details in the form.

Update a tax registration

To update a tax registration:

1. Select Update next to the tax registration.
2. Complete the mandatory fields.

Cancel a tax registration

To cancel a tax registration:

1. Select Cancel next to the tax registration.
2. Type the date the cancellation takes effect.
3. Select the reason for cancellation.

Lodge super guarantee charge statement

To lodge a super guarantee charge statement:

1. Go to Tax.
2. Select
   • Lodgments
   • Reports and forms
   • Super guarantee charge statement link.

Single Touch Payroll deferral or exemptions

To apply for a STP deferral or exemption:

1. Go to Employment.
2. Select
   • Manage employees
   • STP deferrals and exemptions.

Request a transfer or refund

You can request a:

• refund of excess account balances
• transfer of amounts from an account that is in credit to another account.

You are only able to request a refund/transfer from eligible accounts, not all account types that are visible in ATO online services.

Request a transfer between your accounts, or a refund.

1. Go to Tax.
2. Select
   • Accounts
   • Transfer request or Refund request.

Lodge a private ruling or objection application

Individuals without an active ABN can’t lodge a private ruling application or provide further information online, but you can lodge an objection online.

You can lodge an application for a private ruling or objection digitally through ATO Online services for individuals and sole traders via myGov:

To lodge an application for a private ruling or objection:

1. Go to Tax.
2. Select
   • Lodgments
   • Reports and forms.
3. Select the link to either
   • Private ruling application
   • Lodge an objection
   • Submit further information for lodged private ruling/objection.

Send or access secure mail

You can securely send and receive messages from the ATO on a range of topics for the business.

To send or access secure mail:

1. Go to My profile.
2. Select
   • Communication
   • Secure mail.

Refer to Communication in Online services for business which is also relevant when using online services for individuals where you have an active ABN.

Information about managing your lodgments

For more information about managing your lodgments, see:

• Lodging and paying PAYG instalments
• How to vary your PAYG instalments
• Lodging your activity statement online
• Revising an earlier business activity statement
• Lodge your Taxable payments annual report (TPAR)
• Stapled super funds for employers.

View, manage and access your super

For information about how to view, manage and access your super using ATO online services, see:

• Early access to super
• Keeping track of your super online
• YourSuper comparison tool
• Searching for lost super
• Small Business Superannuation Clearing House
• Division 293 tax on concessional contributions by high-income earners (making an election to release money from super)
• First home super saver scheme (FHSS).

When to use the forms

Use the online employment forms New employment and Employment details to provide your tax details or super fund choice or both to your employer. These online forms are an alternative to the paper forms for the:

• Tax file number (TFN) declaration
• Withholding declaration
• Medicare levy variation declaration
• Superannuation (super) standard choice.

When we say employer, we mean the business or individual making payments to you. This applies even if you're not receiving payments for work or services – for example, a payer of a superannuation income stream or compensation payments.

When not to use the forms

You can't use the online forms if:

• you don’t have a TFN - complete a paper TFN declaration (NAT 3092)
• you're exempt from quoting your TFN- complete a paper TFN declaration (NAT 3092)
• you're entitled to SAPTO and under 65.5 years of age - complete a paper Withholding declaration (NAT 3093).

Before you start

Your employer may have their own electronic employment form, check with them before completing the online form in ATO online.

If your employer:

• has their own electronic form, complete their form
• doesn't have their own electronic form, complete the form in ATO online.

How to get the online forms

To access these forms, you need to link your myGov account to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Sign in to myGov and go to your linked services, then:

• select Australian Taxation Office
• select Employment from the menu.
• select either
  • New employment – to complete your tax details or choose a super fund or both for a new employer, or provide your tax file number to your superannuation fund.
  • Employment details – to view and update your tax or super details with your current employer.
    • Select the dropdown box beside your current employer’s business name/ABN to view your tax and super details. If your current employer is not displayed or the Update button is not available, select New employment from the Employment menu.
    • Your tax and super details for current and past employers provided to the ATO since September 2017 are shown in the Current tab. If you update your tax and super details for your current employer, your previous details will then show in the History tab.
    • If your current employment details are not displayed in the Current tab, you don't need to submit a new form unless your situation has changed.
    • Tax and super details for past employers displayed in the Current tab are shown for record purposes only.

To view current income details from your employers that issue income statements, select Income statements from the Employment menu.

How to complete the forms

To complete the New employment form, you will need:

• your employer's Australian business number (ABN) or withholding payer number (WPN)
• your employment type – for example, full time, part time, casual.

For your super fund choice, you will need:

• the details of your self-managed super fund (SMSF) if you're choosing your SMSF, including
  • electronic service address
  • account name
  • BSB and account number
• the details of your employer's default super fund if you're choosing the default fund, including
  • super fund's name
  • unique superannuation identifier (USI)

We prefill some of your information and display questions that are applicable to your personal circumstances – for example, education loans.

Once the form is completed, you must print your employee tax or tax and super details summary and give it to your employer. The information you provide will allow your employer to work out the amount of tax to be withheld from payments. It will also allow them to make contributions to your chosen super fund, if you provide super fund details.

Complete or check your details are correct in the following sections of the form:

• Employer ABN or WPN
• Employer branch ID
• Employment type
• Tax and super details
• Personal details
• Residency status
• Tax withholding details
• Education loan withholding
• Offsets and rebates
• Medicare levy variation
• Super fund choice details
• Summary and declaration

Employer ABN or WPN

Type your employer's 'ABN' or 'WPN' in the field provided. You will need to validate the employer ABN or WPN by using the search button.

Employer branch ID

Type your employer's 'branch ID' if known. For example, 001.

This field can be left blank if unknown.

Employment type

Select your employment type from the options listed in the form.

Tax and super details

Select the details you will provide to your employer.

Select the box beside Tax details to provide the tax withholding details that are present on the paper form for the:

• TFN declaration
• Withholding declaration
• Medicare levy variation

Select the box beside Super details to provide your super fund choice.

Personal details

We pre-fill this information from the personal details recorded in ATO online services. You will need to check that your personal details are correct.

Residency status

Select your residency status for tax purposes from the options in the form.

Your residency status determines the amount of tax that will be withheld by your employer.

If your form has a residency status selected and it's incorrect, select your correct residency status.

Tax withholding details

Complete the following sections for your tax withholding details.

Tax free threshold

You don't pay tax on income you earn each year under the tax-free threshold.

You can claim the tax-free threshold from an employer if:

• they are your only employer
• this employer pays you the most, if you have more than one employer
• your income from all sources is less than tax-free threshold.

Select an option, yes or no to I want to claim the tax-free threshold.

Withholding amount

Some people find that the tax that their employer withholds from their pay is too little, resulting in a tax bill when they lodge their tax return. You can choose for your employer to take more tax out of your pay throughout the year. This will make it more likely that you get a refund when you lodge your tax return.

You can increase the amount of tax withheld by your employer by a set amount or percentage rate above the standard withholding amount.

The additional amount of tax withheld will start after you give your employee tax or tax and super details summary to your employer.

Select an option, yes or no to Would you like this employer to withhold more tax from your pay each period?

If yes, select an option, to Set the additional withholding amount per payment by either:

• Specific amount – type the Additional amount (on top of standard withholding amounts)
• Percentage rate – type the Additional percentage (on top of standard withholding amounts).

To cease the additional withholding, you need to update your tax details using the Employment details or New Employment form and print the summary and give it to your employer.

For more information about tax rates and calculating withheld amounts, see:

• Tax tables
• Tax withheld calculators
• Paying tax on your income

Education loan withholding

If you have an education loan and your yearly income exceeds a minimum repayment threshold, you will have to make repayments towards your loan. Your employer must withhold extra tax from your pay to cover these repayments. These loans include:

• Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
• VET Student Loan (VSL)
• Student Financial Supplement Scheme (SFSS)
• Student Start-up Loan (SSL) and ABSTUDY Student Start-up Loan (ABSTUDY SSL)
• Australian Apprenticeship Support Loan (AASL) (previously known as Trade Support Loan (TSL).

If you don't have an education loan

If you don't have an education loan, you won't see this section online or in your printed employee tax or tax and super details summary.

If you have repaid your education loan in full

If you repaid your education loan in full when you lodged your last tax return, you won't see this section online. It also won't appear in your employee tax or tax and super details summary. You will need to print your summary and give to your employer to notify them to stop withholding the extra tax from your pay. If you have an education loan, or had one during the year.

Select an option, yes or no to Have you fully repaid any of the above loans since you lodged your last tax return?

• Yes – If you have fully repaid one or more education loans since you lodged your last tax return, you can select those loans below so your employer doesn't withhold extra tax from your pay. These loans will not appear in your employee tax or tax and super details summary, which you will need to print and give to your employer. This will notify your employer to stop withholding the extra tax from your pay. 
• No – proceed to the next question. The loans will appear in your employee tax or tax and super details summary, which you will need to print and give to your employer. This will inform your employer that they need to continue withholding the extra tax from your pay.

For more information on types of loans and repayments, see Study and training support loans.

Offsets and rebates

Tax offsets and rebates are special life circumstances which reduce the tax your employer will withhold from your pay.

Offsets can be claimed on your next tax return even if you don't claim them now.

Select the options that match your circumstances:

• Senior or pensioner
  • Determine your eligibility for seniors and pensioners tax offset
  • Select either
    • Single
    • A member of an illness-separated couple
    • A member of a couple
• Invalid or invalid carer
  • Determine your eligibility and calculate the offset amount for invalid and invalid carer tax offset
  • An invalid is someone who has received either a disability support pension, a special needs disability support pension, or an invalidity service pension.
  • Type the calculated amount into the provided field.
• Live in a remote area (zone) or serve in overseas forces
  • Determine your eligibility and calculate the offset amount for zone or overseas forces tax offset
  • Type the calculated amount into the provided field.

Medicare levy variation

Your employer withholds an additional 2% of your pay to cover your contribution to the national Medicare levy. In some circumstances, your contribution can also be reduced or increased.

Select from the options in the form the circumstance that best applies to you:

• Exempt from Medicare levy
• Liable for Medicare levy surcharge
• Entitled to Medicare levy reduction
• None of the above

To work out if you are eligible, see to:

• Medicare levy exemption
• Medicare levy surcharge
• Medicare levy reduction

Super fund choice details

Let your employer know the details of your super fund account so they can pay contributions into your chosen fund.

Select from the options in the form where your super should be paid:

• Choose an existing super fund account – this option is available if you already have a super fund
• Choose your SMSF - type your SMSF details into the fields provided.
• Choose your employer's default super fund – type your employer's default super fund details into the fields provided.
• I don't want to choose a super fund right now.

Summary and declaration

A summary of your details will be displayed. Depending on the information you have provided, you will see your tax details, super details, or both.

Use the Back button to correct any information.

You will be declaring that the information you have provided is true and correct to submit the form. Select the box at Tick the box to sign the declaration with the identification details you used to log in, then select Finalise.

To complete this process, you will need to print the summary and give it to your employer.

Don’t send this information to your employer via email. Sending personal information via email can expose you to fraud as it’s not a secure channel. See more information on how to Protect your personal identifying information.

Privacy of information

We respect your privacy and only collect and disclose information, including your tax file number, as authorised by taxation law.

How we verify your identity

To change your name or date of birth in our systems we need verification of an Australian identity document.

The Document Verification Service (DVS) checks if the information on your identity document matches the original record. To support the change, the document details you provide are verified with the issuing agency using the DVS.

If your name has 2 or more hyphens (-), apostrophes ('), spaces or punctuation marks in a row your document may not be able to be verified. For more information, see Individual Auto-Registration help.

Drivers licence

You can verify your Australian drivers licence if it is active, disqualified or suspended.

These examples show common locations where you will find the details on your drivers licence. Your licence may show these in different locations depending on the issuing state or territory.

• Drivers licence ACT
• Drivers licence NSW
• Drivers licence NT
• Drivers licence QLD
• Drivers licence SA
• Drivers licence TAS
• Drivers licence VIC
• Drivers licence WA

Drivers licence ACT

An Australian Capital Territory (ACT) drivers licence showing where to locate the family name, given name, middle name, licence number, card number and date of birth.

Drivers licence NSW

A New South Wales (NSW) drivers licence showing where to locate the family name, given name, middle name, licence number, card number and date of birth.

Drivers licence NT

A Northern Territory (NT) drivers licence showing where to locate the family name, given name, middle name, licence number, card number and date of birth.

Drivers licence QLD

A Queensland (QLD) drivers licence showing where to locate the family name, given name, middle name, licence number, card number and date of birth.

Drivers licence SA

A South Australian (SA) drivers licence showing where to locate the family name, given name, middle name, licence number, card number and date of birth.

Drivers licence TAS

A Tasmanian (TAS) drivers licence showing where to locate the family name, given name, middle name, licence number, card number and date of birth.

Drivers licence VIC

A Victorian (VIC) drivers licence showing where to locate the family name, given name, middle name, licence number, card number and date of birth.

Drivers licence WA

A Western Australian (WA) drivers licence showing where to locate the family name, given name, middle name, licence number, card number and date of birth.

Birth certificate (original or updated)

These 4 examples show common locations where you will find the details on your Australian birth certificate. Your certificate may show these details in different locations depending on the issuing state or territory.

Always verify your document using the certificate number if it was issued with one.

• Birth certificate ACT, SA and NT
• Birth certificate QLD and TAS
• Birth certificate WA
• Birth certificate NSW and VIC

Birth certificate ACT, SA and NT

An example birth certificate showing the likely location of the family name, given names, registration number, certificate number and date of birth for the ACT, SA and NT.

Birth certificate QLD and TAS

An example birth certificate showing the likely location of the family name, given names, registration number, registration date, certificate number and date of birth for QLD and TAS.

Birth certificate WA

An example birth certificate showing the likely location of the family name, given names, certificate number, registration number, registration date and date of birth for WA.

Birth certificate NSW and VIC

An example birth certificate showing the likely location of the family name, given names, registration number, registration date and date of birth for NSW and VIC.

Front of certificate (NSW and VIC)

Back of certificate (NSW and VIC)

Marriage certificate

These 4 examples show common locations where you will find the details on your Australian marriage certificate. Your certificate may show these details in different locations depending on the issuing state or territory.

Your information will be verified with the issuing agency using the Document Verification Service.

• Marriage certificate ACT, SA and NT
• Marriage certificate QLD
• Marriage certificate TAS
• Marriage certificate VIC
• Marriage certificate NSW
• Marriage certificate WA

Marriage certificate ACT, SA and NT

An example of an Australian marriage certificate for ACT, SA and NT that shows the date of marriage, groom's family name, groom's given names, bride's family name, bride's given name, registration number and certificate number.

Marriage certificate QLD

An example of an Australian marriage certificate for QLD that shows the date of marriage, bride's given names, bride's family name, groom's given names, groom's family name, registration date and certificate number.

Marriage certificate TAS

An example of an Australian marriage certificate for TAS that shows the date of marriage, groom's family name, groom's given names, bride's family name, bride's given names, registration number and certificate number.

Marriage certificate VIC

An example of the front and back of an Australian marriage certificate for VIC that shows the date of marriage, groom's family name, groom's given names, bride's family name, bride's given names, registration number and certificate number.

Front of certificate (VIC)

Back of certificate (VIC)

Marriage certificate NSW

An example of the front and back of an Australian marriage certificate for NSW that shows the date of marriage, groom's family name, groom's given names, bride's family name, bride's given names, registration number and certificate number.

Front of certificate (NSW)

Back of certificate (NSW)

Marriage certificate WA

An example of an Australian marriage certificate for WA that shows the date of marriage, groom's family name, groom's given names, bride's family name, bride's given names, registration number and certificate number.

Change of name certificate

These 5 examples show common locations where you will find the details on your Australian change of name certificate. Your certificate may show these details in different locations depending on the issuing state or territory.

Your information will be verified with the issuing agency using the Document Verification Service.

• Change of name certificate WA
• Change of name certificate NSW
• Change of name certificate ACT, NT and SA
• Change of name certificate VIC
• Change of name certificate QLD and TAS

Change of name certificate WA

An example of an Australian change of name certificate for WA that shows the name after change, name before change, date of birth, registration number and certificate number.

Change of name certificate NSW

An example of the front and back of an Australian change of name certificate for NSW that shows the name after change, name before change, date of birth, registration number and certificate number.

Front of certificate (NSW)

Back of certificate (NSW)

Change of name certificate ACT, NT and SA

An example of an Australian change of name certificate for ACT, NT and SA that shows the name after change, name before change, date of birth, registration number and certificate number.

Change of name certificate VIC

An example of the front and back of an Australian change of name certificate for VIC that shows the registration number, surname after change, given names after change, date of birth and certificate number.

Front of certificate (VIC)

Back of certificate (VIC)

Change of name certificate QLD and TAS

An example of an Australian change of name certificate for QLD and TAS that shows the registration number, surname after change, given names after change, date of birth and certificate number.

Passport

You can verify your Australian passport if it is valid (not cancelled, replaced, or reported lost or stolen) up to 3 years after the expiry date.

Your information will be verified with the issuing agency using the Document Verification Service.

An example of an Australian passport that shows the document number, family name, given names and date of birth.

Visa (using your foreign passport)

You can verify your Australian visa using information found on the travel document associated with your visa. This is usually a foreign passport, but it could be a different type of travel document or the visa letter or email.

Your information will be verified with the issuing agency using the Document Verification Service.

Tip for verifying your details online

You won't be able to verify your visa if:

• the visa has expired or been cancelled
• the original passport has been replaced, or reported lost or stolen
• you've departed Australia
• you've become an Australian citizen.

An example of a foreign passport that shows the family name, given names and date of birth.

Citizenship certificate

There are many different types of citizenship certificates. You can verify your Certificate of Australian Citizenship online if it has a:

• Stock number on the back that looks like ACC 123456 or CAS 1234
• Stock number on the front, in the bottom left corner, that looks like ACC 123456 or CAS 1234
• number (sometimes called an Evidence No.) on the front, in the bottom left corner, that is 11 digits long and starts with a zero, for example 01234567890.

Your information will be verified with the issuing agency using the Document Verification Service.

An example Certificate of Australian Citizenship front and back that shows given names, family names, date of birth, acquisition date and stock number.

Front of certificate

Back of certificate

Online

The quickest way to maintain your credit and debit details is through our Online servicesExternal Link for individuals. All you need is a myGov account linked to the ATO.

When providing your credit and debit card details, provide the:

• card holder name
• card number (no spaces or hyphens)
• expiry month and year
• card verification code (CCV or CVV).

When entering the card holder name, include spaces between each word and initials where required – for example, John Q Citizen.

You will also need to provide the following information, matching details held by your card issuer:

• phone number or email
• billing address.

We will not collect and store this information.

It’s important to keep details such as your address and contact information up to date with us and your financial institution, as it will make payments easier for you.

Steps to maintain your card details

To maintain your credit and debit card details:

1. Sign in to your myGov account and select ATO.
2. From ATO online services, select My profile, then select Manage card details.
   This will display any stored cards and the status of each card – for example, unusable, expired, or expiring soon. Up to 4 cards can be stored.
3. Select Add to enter a new credit or debit card, or click on the arrow to the right of a stored card to Edit or Remove card details.
4. Tick the box to agree to sign the declaration with the identification details you used to log in.
5. Select Save.

By phone

To maintain your credit and debit card details by phone, you must be the card holder.

If you're the card holder, contact us during operating hours to speak to a customer service representative.

When you phone us, we'll confirm your identity by asking you some questions based on information from your tax records.

You will need to provide either your:

• personal tax file number (TFN)
• Australian business number (ABN).

When providing your credit and debit card details, provide the:

• card number (no spaces or hyphens)
• expiry month and year
• card verification code (CVC or CVV – this is the 3 or 4-digit number on the back or front of the card).

For more details about the information we collect, see Privacy notice – Maintain credit and debit cards.

Benefits of lodging online

Individuals and sole traders can lodge, view and revise their activity statements using ATO online services.

Lodging your activity statements online is quick, easy and secure. It means you:

• can lodge at a time that's convenient to you as it's available 24/7
• may receive an additional 2 weeks to lodge and pay your activity statement
• can review your activity statement before lodging and check that the amount calculated equals what you expect to pay or receive
• can revise, vary and pay your activity statement
• can manage your PAYG instalments, including elections, voluntary entry, and real-time exits.

You can manage your activity statements and PAYG instalments electronically from any device.

How to lodge online

You can lodge your activity statements using ATO online services through myGov.

See how to create a myGov account and link it to the ATO.

Sign in to myGov

Once you're signed in to myGov, access the Australian Taxation Office from the Linked services section. To:

• lodge a new activity statement
  • select Tax, then Lodgments then Activity statement
• view or revise an already lodged activity statement
  • select Tax, then Lodgments then Activity statement
  • then History tab to View or revise activity statements.

You can lodge your activity statement in a matter of minutes.

For more information, see:

• Activity statements
• Due dates for lodging and paying your BAS

Access to securities transactions

You and your registered tax agent can access third party data that we hold for shares, stapled security and unit transactions through ATO online services.

To download your data:

1. Log into myGovExternal Link.
2. Go to Australian Taxation Office under linked services then select
   • Tax
   • Manage
   • Shares and unit records.
3. Choose the time period from the drop-down menu or enter the relevant dates.
4. Select Search.
5. Select the relevant check boxes for the securities you wish to download.
6. Select Download.

Downloads available in our online services contain data records reported to us in a standardised form. These records are made available to help you comply with your tax obligations for shares, stapled securities or unit holdings.

Don't rely only on the information in these records. You must review your own records to verify that the information is complete and correct. Our information may be incomplete because:

• an organisation hasn't supplied data yet
• our processing hasn't been completed
• we have received data that couldn't be matched to you with high confidence
• the data didn't pass all validation processing checks.

Review the Transaction Type and Transaction Description columns in your data download to see if you have to report and pay tax on your securities.

For instructions on how to work out which securities have been sold, see Identifying when shares or units are acquired.

Understanding your data download report

Use the definitions in the tables below to understand the fields in your data download report.

• Download fields – all records
• Download fields – securities reported using the transaction method
• Download fields – summary of CGT calculation

Download fields – all records

All records will contain the following fields in the data download report.

Table: All records data download report field definitions

Fields	Definition
Security identifier	This field contains one of the following, the: APIR code – these are 9 characters with the last 2 characters as per the ISO 3166-2 country code of the participant. Listed securities code – these are a minimum of 3 characters and will match the code used to identify the security on the relevant financial market, such as the ASX. Australian business number (ABN) – ABNs are 11-digit numbers.
Security name	This is the full business name of the issuer of the security.
Financial year	The financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June each year. This field shows which financial year the transaction occurred in – for example, the report will show 2025–26.
Investor count	The number of investors in the account.
Account ID	The account reference number provided by the reporter.
HIN/SRN	This is the identification number given to the investor by the broker or by the issuer of the securities. A security reference number (SRN) is allocated by an issuer to identify a holder on an issuer sponsored or certificated sub-register. Holder Identification Number (HIN) is a number identifying registration on the Clearing House Electronic Subregister System (CHESS).
Transaction date	This is the date the transaction occurred and will be the acquisition date or disposal date for the shares or units.
Quantity change	This indicates the impact on the quantity from the transaction. Possible values are: increase decrease no change.
Transaction type	Each record is categorised as a particular transaction type which is reported to assist in understanding the impact of each transaction.
Transaction description	The description provides further detail on the impact of each transaction. For more information, see Shares, units and similar investments.
Quantity	This is the number of shares or units in the transaction.

Download fields – securities reported using the transaction method

If a third party reported data on securities you hold using the transaction reporting method, the following fields may be included in the table on the data download.

Table: Securities reported using the transaction method download fields definitions

Fields	Definition
Unit amount	The price per share or unit.
Value	The price per share or unit multiplied by the quantity of shares or units in the transaction.
Tax deferred amount	The total value of any tax deferred payment.
Related ID	This field contains a security ID to link transactions where a corporate action has impacts across more than one security.

Download fields – summary of CGT calculation

There may be a summary of a capital gains tax (CGT) calculation included in the data download. This only includes disposals with a cost base calculation and will contain the following additional fields as reported to us.

Table: Summary of CGT calculation

Fields	Definition
Parcel Selection Method	Shares or units bought at different times may have different cost bases and this will affect the amount of your gain or loss. This field indicates the basis on which the reporting entity calculated your estimated gain. Possible values are: ALL – all securities sold FIFO – first in first out HCFO – highest cost first out LIFO – last in first out OTHR – other method.
Number of disposed securities that were acquired in the last 12 months	This field indicates how many of the securities reported in the quantity field (number of all securities in the transaction), were acquired within the last 12 months.
Tax deferred amount	The tax deferred distributions associated with the parcel of securities over the entire time they were held.
CGT original acquisition amount	This is the amount originally paid to acquire the shares or units.
Cost base	The cost base of a CGT asset is generally the cost of the asset when the investor bought it. However, it also includes certain other costs associated with acquiring, holding and disposing of the asset. If the transaction results in a capital loss from these events, the reduced cost base of the CGT asset should be reported here.
Proceeds	The amount of money or the value of any asset the investor receives or is entitled to receive as a result of a CGT event.
Gross gain or loss	The gross capital gain or loss taking into account all the elements of the cost base and any reductions for tax deferred distributions or returns of capital.
Discounted gain	The capital gain amount taking into account any discount that the taxpayer may be eligible for. If you made a loss or the reporter hasn't calculated this information, this field may be zero (0).

Linking ATO online services to myGov

Check your personal details are in the correct format:

• Tax file number (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 information for support.

Error messages or known issues for linking to ATO online services:

• Unable to link – OAS.001 and OAS.002
• Unable to link – details don't match customer record
• Unable to link – sign-in method not supported
• Details provided do not match ATO records
• All available questions have been skipped
• No attempts remaining or try again later
• Unable to sign in to myGov
• Cannot find link
• Unable to verify, Ineligible to link or phone us to complete the linking process
• Session timeout
• System errors or unexpected error messages

Unable to link – OAS.001 and OAS.002

To link to the ATO, you need to sign in using your Digital ID with the same identity strength you've previously achieved.

What you can do

You’ve previously used your myID to sign in to ATO online services or the ATO app. For security reasons, this automatically sets your online access strength. To maintain your current protection, continue to sign in with your myID.

To re-link to the ATO, 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.

You need to:

1. Select Cancel.
2. Sign out of myGov.
3. Sign in again using your myID (with the same or higher identity strength, either Strong or Standard).

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 or you want to decrease it, you will need to contact us on the Individuals enquiries line.

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 – details don't match customer record

This means your details don’t match ATO records, or multiple records were found.

Error codes: IDD.002, IDD.004 or IDD.006.

What you can do

Check you’ve entered these details correctly, including your:

• tax file number (TFN)
• name
• address.

Make sure you are using the same details held on your ATO record.

Find your myGov personal details (name and date of birth):

1. Select My account from the myGov homepage
2. Select Profile.

These details will only appear if you have a link to either Medicare or Centrelink.

If these details are:

• incorrect, contact either Centrelink or MedicareExternal Link: to update them
• correct, contact us to update your ATO record.

Unable to link – sign-in method not supported

You’re unable to link using your current sign-in method.

Error code: OVK.001

What you can do

1. Sign out of your myGov account
2. Sign in again using your myID
3. Try linking to the ATO again

If you’re still unable to link your account, you will need to contact us.

Details provided do not match ATO records

This occurs when the information you entered doesn’t match what we have on file.

Error codes: NOA.002, TVLDOC.002, MFS.002, TFNAPP.002, SUPERACC.002, PPS.002, ATOPP.002, TAXREF.002, BANKACC.002, INVESTINT.002.

What you can do

Check the information is entered in the correct format.

See more about the information you need to link the ATO to myGov.

All available questions have been skipped

This error occurs when all available questions have been skipped. This counts as a failed attempt.

What you can do

You can try again. Make sure you:

• read each question carefully
• use your documents to check your answers.

See more about the information you need to link the ATO to myGov.

No attempts remaining or try again later

This occurs when you’ve used all your attempts to link your account. It can also happen after multiple failed attempts to confirm your identity.

Error codes: LCK.001, LCK.002, LCK.003, LCK.004 and LCK.005.

What you can do

For security purposes, you won’t be able to try again for a short period of time. You’ll be shown a time and date for when you can try again.

Try again after the lockout has expired.

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.

What you can do

See When you can't sign in to your myGov account.

Cannot find link

This message appears when attempting to navigate from myGov to ATO online services.

This means myGov is unable to find an active link to the ATO.

What you can do

You need to link the ATO to your myGov account 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:

If the ATO is:

• not showing as linked, select Link to begin the linking process
• linked, you need to select Unlink. Once you've received confirmation that the ATO has been unlinked, you should select Link to link again.

Unable to verify, Ineligible to link or call us to complete the linking process

You can't complete the linking process online. Error codes like IDD.003, ICI.001 or OVK.002.

What you can do

If you receive one of these error messages, you will need to contact us.

Session timeout

Your session may time out while you’re linking your account. This can happen if:

• you’ve been inactive for a period of time
• your session has been open for too long.

What you can do

• Select Continue or return to myGov
• Sign in again and restart the linking process.

System errors or unexpected error messages

You may see an error message like:

'An unexpected error has occurred. Try again.'

These errors can occur at different stages of the linking process and are usually temporary system or connection issues.

What you can do

Try the following steps:

• Select Next if available and continue.
• If you can’t continue, return to myGov and start the linking process again.
• If the issue continues
  • Sign out of myGov
  • Close all browser windows
  • Open a new browser
  • Go to myGovExternal Link and sign in again.
• Try linking again.

If you continue to receive error messages:

• note the error code
• try again later
• contact us.

Using ATO online services

Error messages or known issues when using ATO online services:

• Sign in method doesn't meet minimum access requirements
• Authentication cancelled
• Unable to login
• Error message 001
• Error message 002
• A system issue error message is displayed

Sign-in method doesn't meet minimum access requirements

Your sign-in method doesn't meet minimum access requirements.

What you can do

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. To maintain your current protection, continue to sign in with your myID. 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'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 or you want to decrease it, 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

The error is 'authentication_cancelled'.

What you can do

Your login has been cancelled when connecting to ATO online services.

To resolve this:

1. Return to myGovExternal Link and sign in again.
2. Go to Australian Taxation Office from your myGov homepage.
3. Complete the steps to link the ATO to your myGov account.

If the problem persists, contact us.

Unable to log in

You're unable to log in.

What you can do

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 may not be able to use myGovExternal Link or our online channels
• pre-fill data may not be available.

You will need to contact us.

Error message 001

An error has occurred (001).

What you can do

You can:

• ensure your device meets the minimum system requirements
• try using another device
• try again later.

If the problem persists, contact us.

Error message 002

Your settings are blocking this page from loading (002).

What you can do

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 these steps and continue to experience this issue, contact us.

A system issue error message is displayed

Examples of the error message include:

• A927.06 – The ATO system has encountered an unexpected error while processing your request
• Proxy error
• Unknown error
• Unexpected system error
• Session terminated
• Session expiry.

What you can do

We recommend waiting one hour before trying again. When you try again:

1. Close all browser windows.
2. Open a new browser window.
3. Go to the myGov website and try again.

If the problem persists, contact us.

Using myTax

No 2025–26 tax return or prepare link

You're unable to see a 2025–26 tax return or 'Prepare' link in the 'For action' box.

What you can do

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 messages or known issues when using the ATO app:

• Sign-in method doesn't meet minimum access requirements
• Unable to view latest information
• Sign-in error– iOS or 16.7 operating system
• System error message
• Unable to upload your records – myDeductions
• Error trip recording on OPPO devices – myDeductions
• Private space – Android
• Registered your device using the ATO app
• No access to a registered device

Sign-in method doesn't meet minimum access requirements

Your sign-in method doesn't meet minimum access requirements.

What you can do

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'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 view latest information

You're unable to view the latest information such as financial year or unable to access a feature within the app.

What you can do

1. Backup any myDeductions records (if applicable) before updating.
2. Update to the latest version of the ATO app.
3. Close the app, connect to the internet and open the app again.

Sign-in error – iOS or 16.7 operating system

Your device's operating system is iOS or iPadOS 16.7 and an error occurs when you sign in (APP025).

What you can do

1. Close the app.
2. Update your device's operating system to at least 16.7.11 or later.
3. Open the app and sign in again.

System error message

System error message examples may include:

• an error has occurred
• error during set-up
• an error code
• any other error.

What you can do

Ensure you have the latest version of the app installed.

Check for any system maintenance.

If the error message:

• doesn't specify a timeframe – try again
• specifies a timeframe – wait for that time to elapse and then try again.

If you continue to receive the same error message, you can contact us to report the issue. Take note and tell us the error code you receive.

Unable to upload your records – myDeductions

In myDeductions, you're ‘Unable to upload your records.’

This might happen when you are attempting to upload myDeductions records to the ATO.

What you can do

• Check for any system maintenance.
• Check your device is connected to the internet.
• Ensure you have the latest version of the app – back up your myDeductions records before updating the app.
• Try again later.

If you continue to receive this error message, you can contact us to report the issue.

Error trip recording on OPPO devices – myDeductions

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.

What you can do

To resolve this issue, on your device, select:

1. Settings
2. Battery
3. Energy saver
4. ATO app
5. Turn off Background freeze.

These steps may vary slightly depending on the device you have.

Private space – Android

There is an error or issue relating to Android – Private Space.

What you can do

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, you:

• can't use GPS trip tracking in myDeductions
• won't receive myDeductions backup reminders.

If you want to use this functionality, you will need to either:

• unlock the Private Space, noting that as soon as it locks, functionality will be limited again
• remove the ATO app from your Private Space.

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.

Registered your device using the ATO app

You registered your device using the ATO app and have a replacement device or no longer wish to use the ATO app.

What you can do

Don’t delete or uninstall the ATO app from your registered device, as this won’t remove the device from your ATO account.

If you have a new device, download the ATO app on your replacement device and register it before removing your previously registered device in the ATO app.

If you don't have a new device yet, you can remove your registered device in the ATO app to make sure you can set up the ATO app on a new device without contacting us.

No access to a registered device

You no longer have access to the ATO app on your registered device or are unable to register the ATO app on a new device because you didn't receive the verification code to register a new device.

What you can do

If you have access to the ATO app on your other registered device, open the ATO app to receive the verification code to register your new device.

If you don’t have access to your other registered device, or have uninstalled the ATO app without removing your registered device in the ATO app, you will need to contact us for support.

Using myID to apply for a TFN

The error message for known issues when using myID to apply for a TFN – 'Error has occurred'.

Error has occurred

Error shows ‘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.

What you can do

We’re currently investigating this issue.

If the issue persists, consider using an alternative method to apply for a TFN.

About myGov communications

If you have a myGov account linked to us, we'll send you messages and reminders through your myGov Inbox or ATO online services.

You may receive general communications, like promotional information, through SMS or email.

Due to legal and privacy requirements, personal information like your tax file number (TFN) can't be emailed to you.

To receive your ATO mail through the post, phone us on 13 28 61.

myGov sign in homepage

When signed in, you may receive notifications for 'Payments and Claims' from other government agencies. We won't communicate with you through this feature.

Communication preferences

You can set or change your communication preferences.

If you use a tax or BAS agent, you and your agent can view most correspondence sent to you or your agent on your behalf.

If you don’t have a myGov account linked to us, you'll receive your ATO mail through the post or it will be sent to your tax or BAS agent.

Using your myGov Inbox

Information about ATO messages to your myGov Inbox:

• New message notifications
• Messages in your myGov Inbox
• If you unlink the ATO from your myGov account

New message notifications

You'll get an email, SMS or push notification from myGov when there's a new message from us in your myGov Inbox. The default setting for new message notifications is email.

You need to sign in to your myGov account to view the message. We'll never email or SMS you a link to sign in to an online service.

Change your myGov Inbox notifications

To change how your message notifications are sent:

1. Sign in to your myGov account.
2. Select My account.
3. Select Account Settings.
4. Select Contact details.
5. Edit your myGov notifications.

Messages in your myGov Inbox

Messages from us may include:

• notices such as notices of assessment
• statements of account
• confirmation and reminder notices
• activity statements or instalment notices.

Messages in your myGov Inbox may contain links to our online services.

You can save or print the messages and included PDF documents for your records.

You can't reply to messages we send through your myGov Inbox.

If you unlink the ATO from your myGov account

If you unlink us from your myGov account, you won't be able to access our messages in your myGov Inbox. We recommend saving or printing these records before you unlink.

To receive messages to your myGov inbox, relink the ATO to your myGov account.

Support

You can find support for:

• myGov Inbox
• Messages from the ATO
• Accessibility

myGov Inbox

For help with your myGov Inbox:

• visit the myGov websiteExternal Link
• phone the myGov help desk on 13 23 07.

Messages from the ATO

For questions about an ATO message you've received, contact us.

If you prefer to speak to us in a language other than English, phone us using the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.

If you have difficulty hearing or speaking to people over the phone, contact us through the National Relay Service (NRS)External Link.

Accessibility

If you're vision impaired or use adaptive technology, you may not be able to access PDF documents sent through myGov. For assistance, contact us.

Find out how we use myGov to communicate with you, including through your myGov Inbox.

Choosing a communication preference

We are committed to improving services for you and your registered tax or BAS agent through tailored and contemporary online services.

If you use a tax professional, communication preferences lets you authorise your tax professional to choose where we send your digital ATO communications.

You can choose to have:

• all communications sent to you
• all communications sent to your registered agent
• some communications sent to you and other communications sent to your registered agent.

Once you know what you want to do, your agent can set your communication preferences.

Setting your own communication preferences

You are only able to check or view your communication preferences in ATO online services.

If you want to change them, contact your registered agent. If you can’t contact them, you can use online services help to contact us.

Communications that we can send electronically

We send many different types of communications about your tax and superannuation obligations.

We can send communications electronically to you or your registered agent in the following 6 categories:

• income tax
• activity statement
• study and training support loans
• superannuation
• debt
• employer and business obligations.

If we can't send a communication electronically, we'll send it to the postal address on your record.

For a list of communications that can be sent electronically to your registered agent in Online services for agents, see Communication types.

We will continue to expand the communications we can send electronically.

Setting your communication preferences

Your registered agent will ask if you would like to change how you currently receive your communications from us. You will need to give your registered agent written authorisation and a declaration to set or change your preferences.

You can then choose if:

• your registered agent receives some or all categories of communications we send you
• you receive some or all categories of communications we send you, either
  • directly to your myGov Inbox
  • to your nominated postal address if you don't have a myGov account.

Your registered agent will let us know your preferences.

If you have more than one tax or BAS agent and you want some of your communications to go to each, you need to complete an authorisation for each registered agent.

For example, you can authorise your:

• BAS agent – to receive activity statement communications
• tax agent – to receive income tax communications.

If you want your communications from us sent to your registered agent, we will send them electronically to Online services for agents.

Written authorisation and declaration

Your registered agent needs your:

• written authorisation to set or change your communication preferences
• written declaration that the information you have provided is true and correct to set or change your communication preferences.

They will tell you how they want your authorisation and declaration. For example, through email, fax or paper.

You need to keep a copy of your written authorisation and declaration for up to 5 years, depending on your circumstances. We recommend your registered agent also keep a copy for their records.

BAS agents can only be given authorisation for activity statement and debt communications.

How to check your communication preferences

How you check your preference will depend on if you are an:

• Individual or sole trader
• Non-individual

Individual or sole trader

You can view your communication preferences if you have the ATO linked to your myGov account. You can:

• sign in to myGovExternal Link and select Australian Taxation Office from your linked services
• select My profile on your ATO online services homepage
• select Communication
• select Preferences.

Non-individual

You can view your communication preferences in Online services for business if you have an account. You can:

• sign in to Online services for business
• select Communication
• select Preferences.

Communication history

Communication history allows you to view most of your communications from us online at any time. This includes communications sent to your agent on your behalf. Sole traders can only view their communication history in ATO online services through myGov, it isn't available in their Online services for business.

Individuals or sole traders

To view your communication history:

• sign in to myGovExternal Link and select Australian Taxation Office from your linked services
• select My profile on your ATO online services homepage
• select Communication
• select History.

Non-individuals

To view your communication history:

• log in to Online services for business homepage
• select Communication
• select History.

You can view communications as far back as 1 July 2008. You can search for communications in periods of up to 5 years.

Not all communications we send to you and your agent are available in your communication history. Any direct communication you've had with ATO officers won't be displayed. For example, letters sent during a review or audit.

We will continue to make more communications available in the future.

General email and SMS messages

We use SMS and emails for promotional and information purposes.

ATO online services through myGov

If you have linked the ATO to your myGov account, we will send most of your personal ATO letters directly to your myGov Inbox, rather than through the post.

You will get email or SMS notifications from myGov to let you know there are new messages in your myGov Inbox. These myGov notifications will not contain links.

If you are unsure if a myGov notification you have received is genuine, go directly to myGovExternal Link and sign in to check your myGov Inbox.

General notifications may include:

• advice your application has been received
• progress of return notifications, including refund finalisation
• a reminder to provide documents
• a reminder to attend a meeting
• reminders to meet ATO obligations to avoid penalties or cancellation of role, including
  • lodgment of tax returns, annual returns and business activity statements
  • lodgment of vacancy fee returns for foreign investment
  • payment of debt
  • payment of instalments as negotiated with us
• a request to pay (which will be to pay online rather than by cheque)
• notification of interest charges on overdue debts
• notification that we will be contacting you from a private number
• advice of new tax rates
• important information for your business or industry
• promotion of a product or service we offer, such as myTax, myGov and similar
• tax time information about pre-filling, income, deductions and new measures
• information about superannuation changes
• an invitation or reminder to small businesses to attend a local event run by our staff
• notification of delays and system outages.

myID and RAM

If you use myID to access our online services, such as Online services for business, we may email you to let you know about:

• new features and functions available for myID and Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM)
• improvements to myID and RAM
• upcoming requirements, such as renewing an authorisation in RAM.

When you receive an email about myID or RAM, always check it has been sent from the myID or authorisation manager mailbox.

Specific email and SMS messages

From time to time, we may send you an SMS or email asking you to take specific action, such as:

• provide additional information we require to process a BAS or tax return you lodged
• provide additional information we require regarding an application you have made to us
• verify changes made to your account
• review interest charges made to your account due to non-payment of overdue debts.

We may use SMS or email to ask you to contact us, but we will never ask you to return personal identifying information through these channels.

Email invitations to participate in a survey

We may use email to invite you to participate in ATO-approved research projects.

We send surveys to gauge your perceptions, gather feedback and improve our service to the community. Participation is voluntary.

Our surveys may ask for general demographic information but will never ask you to provide sensitive personal such as your tax file number (TFN) or bank details.

Emails inviting you to participate in a survey may be sent from an ATO mailbox, or from our trusted research partners. To check the authenticity of a survey invitation you may have received go to current research projects.

Tax and BAS agent emails

If you are a registered agent, we may email you with important updates regarding your clients. Emails may include topics listed under the 'General email and SMS messages' section above, or may be more specific.

Scam SMS and emails

If you're ever unsure whether an SMS or email is really from us, don't reply or click on any links or attachments.

There are some common scam warning signs that will help you check if you have been contacted by a scammer or by the ATO.

You can also find out more information about current scams we're aware of.

Other ways we may contact you

We may contact you by phone call or letter if that is your communication preference. If you are unsure whether a phone call or letter is from us, phone us on 1800 008 540 to check.

 

This page is only relevant if the ATO has invited you to complete a short survey about correspondence you’ve recently received from us.

The survey will take approximately 3 to 5 minutes to complete, and your responses will be kept confidential.

We're unable to respond to individual comments or questions. You can find useful information online.

Start survey

Terms and conditions of use

Our terms and conditions of use include:

• Acknowledgement
• Nomination for the purposes of managing your myGov account
• Confirming your identity
• Your myGov inbox

Acknowledgement

I acknowledge that the nomination of Services Australia, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia, to receive and disclose my information for the purposes of managing my myGov account, does not limit the Commonwealth from performing duties or exercising powers under law.

Nomination for the purposes of managing your myGov account

The nomination of Services Australia will allow myGov to disclose your name, date of birth and your contact information to other federal government agencies that you have already linked, or decide to link, to your myGov account. The disclosure of details will:

• allow myGov to confirm your identity between those agencies
• provide those agencies with notifications of changes to your details.

Confirming your identity

Your ability to link to the ATO, access ATO online services, and receive ATO communications in your myGov Inbox will depend on how you confirm your identity when signing into your myGov account.

You must confirm your identity and sign in to myGov using one of the following:

• the myID app – Digital ID
  • from 13 November 2023, if you access ATO online services using your Digital ID, you'll need to continue using your Digital ID to access ATO online services – this is because it's the most secure access method
• receive a code by SMS
• passkey.

If you change to using 'Answer a secret question' to sign in to myGov, your ATO record will be unlinked from your myGov account. You will no longer be able to access ATO online services and ATO communications in your myGov Inbox. We will send your communications to the postal address we have on your record.

If you linked the ATO to your myGov account before 1 June 2019 and sign in using 'Answer a secret question', you can continue to access ATO online services and ATO communications in your myGov Inbox. For more secure and flexible access to ATO online services, we recommend using a Digital ID (such as myID).

Your myGov inbox

By linking the ATO to your myGov account, you have agreed and designated your myGov Inbox as your address for ATO communications that the ATO sends or makes available for you to access electronically.

You will receive a welcome message from us in your myGov Inbox to confirm the service is enabled.

If you use a tax or BAS agent, the designation of your myGov account and Inbox as your address is subject to your tax or BAS agent (authorised by you) designating, or having previously designated, ATO online services for agents as your address to send some or all of your ATO communications. Where this occurs, your myGov Inbox will remain your address for the ATO to send or make available communications that aren't sent or made available to your agent.

You will be able to use ATO online services to access and view your communications that are sent to your agent.

You may receive notifications from myGov alerting you that communications have been sent to your myGov Inbox. This service is provided as a courtesy and doesn't limit your obligation to regularly access your myGov Inbox to check for ATO communications.

Not all ATO communications can be sent or made available for access electronically. You can access a list of the communication types that we may send or make available electronically on our website. We may update this list from time to time.

Where an ATO communication is unable to be sent or made available electronically, the ATO will send the communication to the postal address we have on your record.

Privacy notices

Our privacy notices include:

• Collecting your tax file number
• Privacy
• Information about your device
• Use of information
• Digital ID
• Our privacy policy

Collecting your tax file number

We are authorised by the Taxation Administration Act 1953 to request your tax file number (TFN). We will use your TFN to identify you when linking the ATO to your myGov account. You don't have to provide your TFN, however, if you don't provide your TFN, you may not be able to link the ATO to your myGov account and access ATO online.

Privacy

We are authorised by the Taxation Administration Act 1953 to request personal information from you. We will use this information to confirm your identity when you link the ATO to your myGov account and use ATO online services.

If we don't collect this information, you won't be able to link the ATO to your myGov account and access ATO online services.

Where authorised by law to do so, we will give this information to Services Australia for the purposes of administering myGov.

We also provide taxpayer information to treaty partners overseas under international tax agreements with many other countries.

Information about your device

Your browser and information you provide will be recorded for authentication purposes as part of the myGov linking process. This may include:

• your internet protocol address (IP address)
• the date and time of use of the authentication service
• the authentication information you provided
• successful and unsuccessful attempts at authenticating.

Use of information

We may use your information to:

• confirm your identity
• compile statistics and reports using deidentified data to improve ATO systems and services
• identify and respond to issues that may indicate authentication integrity is at risk
• detect, investigate and prosecute criminal offences.

Digital ID

myID is the Australian Government's Digital ID app and is accredited under the Digital ID Accreditation SchemeExternal Link.

The ATO provides the myID system as a secure digital environment for individuals to establish and verify their identity. For information on how myID collects, uses and discloses your personal information, see the myID privacy noticeExternal Link.

Our privacy policy

Our privacy policy contains important information about your privacy, including information about:

• how you can access and seek correction of information we hold about you
• how you may complain about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles
• how we deal with privacy complaints.