How to nominate your registered agent

When you need to nominate an agent

Client-to-agent linking requires all types of entities with an ABN (excluding sole traders) to nominate a registered agent when:

• engaging a new registered agent (that is, a tax or BAS agent, or payroll service provider)
• changing the authorisations given to an existing registered agent, for example, when they start representing you for a new obligation, such as income tax or a new entity in your group.

Your agent can't complete the nomination process for you. However, they can help you understand what you need to do.

Using these instructions

Follow the instructions on this page to nominate your registered agent.

You can print these instructions directly from your web browser. Use the print icon on the top right of your screen and select Print this page.

Downloadable guide including screenshots

You can also download a guide which includes screenshots – How to nominate an agent in Online services for business (PDF, 380KB)This link will download a file.

Before you start

If you haven't already set up access to Online services for business, you must be the principal authorityExternal Link for the business to complete the setup process.

The principal authority is the person responsible for the business and must be the first person to set up access to Online services for business. If you're not sure what role you have, see Link to a business in RAMExternal Link.

Have you already set up access to Online services for business?

• Yes – go to Step 3
• No – complete Steps 1 and 2

Step 1: Set up your Digital ID

myID is the Australian Government’s Digital IDExternal Link app. To begin:

• download the myID appExternal Link onto your smart device from the Apple App Store or Google Play
• follow the instructions on how to set up your myIDExternal Link.

Choose your identity strength. If you choose a:

• Strong myID identity strength, you'll need to verify
  • your Australian passport and photo, and
  • one of the following documents
    • citizenship certificate
    • drivers licence, or
    • Medicare card.

If you hold a Western Australian drivers licence, you also have the option to use it to verify your photo and achieve a Strong identity strength – when combined with other identity documents.

• Standard myID identity strength, you'll need to
  • verify 2 Australian identity documents
  • contact the RAM support lineExternal Link to complete Step 2.

Note: Your Digital ID is unique to you, using your personal information. You cannot share it with others.

Step 2: Link your Digital ID to your ABN

You'll need to link your myID to your Australian business number (ABN) using Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM)External Link.

If you have a Strong myID:

• go to Relationship Authorisation ManagerExternal Link and log in with your Digital ID
• select Link my business and follow the prompts.

You'll need to contact the RAM support lineExternal Link to complete this step if you:

• have a Standard myID
• are a primary personExternal Link – this is a type of principal authority not listed as an individual associate in the Australian Business Register; for example, the authorised contact of a government entity.

You should only need to set up your myID and link it to a business ABN in RAM once.

For more information, see Set up a business in RAMExternal Link.

Step 3: Log in to Online services for business

Step 4: Nominate your authorised agent in Online services for business

Note: You'll need your agent's registered agent number to complete this step.

From the Online services for business home page:

• select Profile, then Agent details
• at the Agent nominations feature, select Add
• on the Nominate agent screen, go to Search for agent
• type in your agent’s registered agent number and select Search
• select the agent you want to nominate
• check that the agent's details are correct
• complete the Declaration
• select Submit.

You'll now see your agent’s details listed under Agent nominations.

Step 5: Let your agent know you have nominated them

The agent you nominate won't be automatically notified that you have nominated them.

It’s important to let them know when you've completed the nomination step.

Your agent has 28 days from when you nominate them to add you as a client. After that, the nomination expires.

Extending a nomination

If the agent you've nominated needs more time to add you as a client, you can use the Extend feature. This will add another 28 days to your nomination from the day you extend.

The Extend feature will become available the day after submitting a nomination. It will remain available to select anytime during the 28 calendar days of the original nomination period.

To extend a nomination you need to log in to Online services for business and:

• select Extend from the Agent nomination screen – you can find this next to your agent's name
• check the agent's details are correct at the Extend agent nomination screen. If not, you can delete an agent nomination by selecting Delete
• complete the declaration and select Submit
• let your agent know when you have completed the extension.

If a nomination has expired, you won't be able to extend it. You'll need to submit a new nomination.

Need help?

If you're unable to complete the agent nomination process in Online services for business or you would like to speak to us to assist you to nominate your agent, you can phone our Business enquiries line on 13 28 66.

Before we can discuss your details or update your records, you must establish your identity. Also have your agent's registered agent number ready so that we can search for their details.

For help with your Digital ID and linking your business, see:

• myID Help: Top enquiriesExternal Link
• RAM Help: Link a businessExternal Link.

You can also watch these videos to learn more about myID and RAM.

Find out about the Australian Government’s Digital ID app, myID

Streamline your business with RAM

How to link your business in RAM