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      1. Bookkeeping Knowledge Base
      2. Government Requirements
      3. Tax

      Creating an ATO Client-Agent Link

      Client-agent linking is a process that allows Business Owners to link their Tax Agents and BAS Agents to link their ATO accounts. Changes to the process will occur on 13 Nov 2023

      Effective 13 November 2023, if your business trades a company or a trust you will have to nominate us as your agent before we can access any of your ATO records.   We will no longer be able do this.

      If you are a sole trader we can do this for you.

      To do this, do the following:

      1. Go to Online Services for Business (OSfB) and follow these Client-agent linking steps

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

      3. Yes Go to step 4.
      4. No Go to step 1.

      Step 1: Set up your Digital Identity (myGovID)

      Remember that myGovID is different to myGov.

      myGovID is the Australian Government's Digital Identity app. It allows you to prove who you are and log in to online services.

      For instructions on setting up your myGovID, see How to set up myGovIDExternal Link.

      Tip: You'll need at least Standard identity strength to set up your business for online services.

      Step 2: Link your myGovID to your ABN

      Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM)External Link is an authorisation service that allows you to access online services on behalf of a business. You'll need to use RAM to link your myGovID to your Australian business number (ABN).

      The principal authorityExternal Link is the person responsible for the business, and must be the first person to link the ABN in RAM.

      The way you link your myGovID to your ABN depends on your role in the business:

      You can link onlineExternal Link if both:  

      • you have a Strong myGovID identity strength
      • your name is listed in the ABR.

      You'll need to contact usExternal Link to link your myGovID to your ABN if you either: 

      • do not have a Strong myGovID identity strength
      • are not an individual associate listed in the ABR.

      Step 3: Authorise others to act on your behalf (optional)

      You can authorise others to act on behalf of your business (for example, employees) in RAM.

      For instructions on how to authorise others, see set up authorisationsExternal Link.

      Step 4: Log in to Online services for business

      Use your myGovID to log in to Online services for business.

      Step 5: Nominate your authorised agent in Online services for business

      Note: 

      You'll need registered agent number (RAN) for this step. It is 254 33 580

      From the Online services for business home page do the following:

      Agent Details
      • Select Profile, then Agent details
      • At the Agent nominations feature, select Add
      • On the Nominate agent screen, go to Search for agentNominate Agent
      • Type our registered agent number (254 33 580) and select Search
      • Select Scott Elsom
      • Complete the DeclarationNominate Agent 1
      • Select Submit.
      • You'll now see our agent’s details listed under Agent nominations.
      • Send an email to your bookkeeper letting them know that you have added us as your Agent.


      Important

      Once you nominate us as your Agent, you need to let us know that you have done so, as the ATO does not notify us that we have been nominated.

      We only have 7 days to action the nomination before it expires and you have to go through the process again.