We take the security and privacy of your information seriously.
That's why we've launched a suite of new protections against identity-related fraud and theft. Client-to-agent linking is one of these protections.
We're seeing criminals attempting to commit fraud by taking over the identities of honest registered agents to access the personal information of taxpayers. Criminals may pose as:
- taxpayers and engage an agent to help them (unknowingly) lodge fraudulent returns
- agents, to gain access to sensitive client information.
Identity-related fraud can have significant, disruptive and lasting impacts for both agents and clients.
It’s important we work together to strengthen the security of our online services. This will help protect agent and client information from unauthorised access and activity.
About client-to-agent linking
Client-to-agent linking:
- responds to concerns over unauthorised access of taxpayer information.
- enhances security for our online services
- prioritises protecting your information.
It requires entities with an ABN (excluding sole traders) to nominate their registered agent in Online services for business before the agent can:
- access their information, and
- act on their behalf.
A nomination must be made when an entity:
- engages a new registered agent (that is, a tax or BAS agent, or payroll service provider)
- changes the authorisations granted to an existing registered agent; for example, when the agent
- takes on new responsibilities such as income tax, or
- represents a new entity within the client group.
How client-to-agent linking protects
Client-to-agent linking helps defend against attempts to harvest personal information and defraud the tax system. Through a nomination process:
- the client controls who can access their information. Only the registered agent (or agents) a client has nominated can access their information in our online services
- a registered agent has confidence their client has provided authorisation online by nominating them through our secure online services
- the ATO has confidence a registered agent has been authorised to act for a taxpayer when they lodge returns or make changes on the taxpayer's account.
Further information on the client-to-agent linking process and how to protect yourself online is available for both clients and agents:
For clients
For agents