Why do I have to nominate a registered agent?
- To protect your information and so you have control over who accesses your information.
- To have confidence that only your nominated agent will have access to your information and perform tasks on your behalf, such as lodging an income tax return. For further information on why the ATO has introduced client-to-agent linking, refer to Why client-to agent linking?
Can my agent do the nomination process in Online service for business on my behalf?
No. You must complete the agent nomination yourself. Your agent can assist you through the steps if you need help.
To log in to Online services for business you need to link your Digital ID (myID) to your business's Australian business number (ABN) in Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM).
Your myID belongs to you. You must not share it with others.
Where can I find screenshots of the nomination process in Online services for business?
Refer to the flowchart How to nominate an agent in Online services for business (PDF, 380KB)This link will download a file which you can find in our agent nomination instructions.
What Digital ID identity strength do I need to nominate an agent in Online services for business?
Online services for business can be accessed with a Standard or StrongExternal Link Digital ID (myID).
Do I need to obtain an Australian passport to nominate my agent?
No. You don' t need to obtain an Australian passport to nominate your agent. To access Online services for business, the minimum identity strength required is Standard. An Australian passport is only required to obtain a Strong myID.
How do I link my Digital ID to the ABN of a business in Relationship Authorisation Manager with a Standard identity strength?
You'll need to contact the RAM support lineExternal Link on 1300 287 539 (option 3) during operating hours to obtain an authorisation code.
We’ll need to establish your identity and complete checks to confirm your association to the business. So that we can help you, ensure you’re familiar with what you may be required to provide to establish your identity.
I need help setting up my myID. What do I do?
- Refer to the myID website help pageExternal Link for the most common myID enquiries.
- Phone the myID support lineExternal Link on 1300 287 539 (select option 2, then option 1) between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Australian local time, Monday to Friday.
I need help linking my business in Relationship Authorisation Manager. What do I do?
- For general support, refer to the RAM website help pageExternal Link. This page is updated regularly.
- Phone the RAM support lineExternal Link on 1300 287 539 (select option 3, then option 1) between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Australian local time, Monday to Friday.
Why should I keep details up to date on the Australian Business Register?
It's your responsibility to maintain your ABN details. You must update your details within 28 days of becoming aware of changes. Keeping details up to date on the ABR ensures:
- the right people have the right permissions to act on behalf of a business
- government agencies have current information; for example, if emergency services need to contact businesses during natural disasters
- businesses are ready for new government services when they become available.
How do I update my details on the Australian Business Register?
If you've set up your Digital ID (myID) and linked to your business in Relationship Authorisation Manager, the fastest way to update your detailsExternal Link is through ABR online services.
If you haven’t set up your myID and Relationship Authorisation Manager, you’ll need to do one of the following to update your details:
Contact the Australian Business RegisterExternal Link on 13 92 26 between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. You will be required to prove your identityExternal Link to confirm who you are and prevent identity theft.
If you have an existing tax agent, you can ask them to update ABR details on your behalf.
Complete and mail in the Change of registration details (NAT 2943) formExternal Link. To obtain a copy of this form, you will need to use the ATO Publication Ordering Service to request this form to be mailed to you.
My tax agent has asked for my business TFN so they can complete the link. I don't know what it is. How can I find it?
You can find your business TFN in Online services for business by following these steps:
- Navigate to the Profile menu
- Select Business details
My question is not here
For further information, see Agent nomination.