Payment reference number
Your unique payment reference number (PRN) ensures your payment is credited to the correct account. A PRN may also be called an EFT code (electronic funds transfer code).
You will have different PRNs for different types of tax. For example, one PRN for income tax and one PRN for activity statements. Make sure you use the right PRN for the type of tax you're paying.
Using an incorrect PRN could result in delays to payments being credited to your account and unnecessary debt collection activity.
You can go online to get your PRN:
- Individuals and sole traders – log in to your myGov account linked to the ATOExternal Link and select Tax > Accounts > Summary
Businesses – log in to Online services for businessExternal Link and select:
- Accounts and payments from the menu
- Payments
- BPAY or Other payment methods.
Registered agents – log in to Online services for agentsExternal Link and select:
- Client summary page
- Accounts summary
- Payment options.
Alternatively, you can:
- obtain your PRN from ATO notices or payment slips
- ask your tax agent
- phone 1800 815 886 between 8:00 am–6:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Once you have the correct PRN, you'll be able to make your payment.
Payment processing
Payments made electronically or at Australia Post can take up to 4 business days from the day you make the payment, to be received by us and to appear on your ATO account.
If you mail a cheque or money order to us, you will need to take into account postal service delivery timesExternal Link. Once we receive your payment, it may take a further 4 business days to be allocated to your ATO account.
You can check what to do next if you have a missing payment or can't see a payment you've made on your account.
Payment slips
You'll need a payment slip to pay at the post office. Make sure you have the correct payment slip for the account you want to pay. Payment slips are generally available on your notice of assessment or statement of account.
Business taxpayers can print a payment slip using Online services for businessExternal Link:
- Select Accounts and payments from the menu, then Accounts summary.
- Choose the account required, then click Payment options.
- Select BPAY or Other payment methods.
- Select Print-friendly version to print the payment slip.
If you need to order a payment slip:
- Phone 13 28 66 to order an activity statement with payment slip – you'll need your Australian business number (ABN) and be an authorised representative of the business to use this service.
- Phone 13 28 61 to order an ATO notice with an income tax payment slip – you'll need your tax file number (TFN) to use this service.
Before we can discuss your details or update your records, we must establish your identity.
Registered agents can use Online services for agentsExternal Link to print payment options for your clients. On the Client summary page, select Accounts summary > Payment options.
Card terms and conditions
Card payment fee
A fee will apply to card payments. The fee:
- is a percentage of the amount being paid, based on the type of card
- is charged by your card supplier, not the ATO
- will be reviewed from time to time and may change
- is not part of your ATO debt
- is not subject to goods and services tax (GST)
- may be a deductible expense based on your circumstances.
|
Card type |
Fee |
|---|---|
|
American Express |
1.45% |
|
MasterCard – International |
1.99% |
|
MasterCard – Domestic Debit |
0.20% |
|
MasterCard – Domestic Credit |
0.72% |
|
Visa – International |
1.99% |
|
Visa – Domestic Debit |
0.40% |
|
Visa – Domestic Credit |
0.80% |
Before you finalise your payment, you'll be advised of the total amount including the fee. You may be eligible to claim a tax deduction for the card payment fee.
Card payment receipts
When you pay using any of our card payment services, we'll give you a receipt number.
The payment details will be displayed on your card statement as:
- 'ATO payment' if you used our online services
- 'ATO payment' and 'Card payment fee – ATO' if you used Government EasyPay.