How to nominate your registered 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 cannot complete the nomination process for you. However, they can help you understand what you need to do.

Follow the instructions below 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 with screenshots: How to nominate an agent in Online services for business (PDF, 380KB)This link will download a file.

Have you accessed Online services for business before?

• Yes Go to Step 3.
• No Go to Step 1.

Before you start steps 1 and 2

To complete steps 1 and 2, you must be the principal authorityExternal Link.

This 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 Get startedExternal Link.

Step 1: Set up your Digital ID

myID is the Australian Government’s Digital ID provider. To begin:

• download the myID app onto your smart device from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
• 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 either a
  • citizenship certificate
  • driver licence, or
  • Medicare card
• Standard myID identity strength, you'll need to
  • verify 2 Australian identity documents
  • contact usExternal 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 RAMExternal Link and log in. Select Link your business and follow the prompts.

You'll need to contact usExternal 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 How to link your business onlineExternal Link.

Step 3: Log in to Online services for business

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

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 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 nominated 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:

• select Extend from the Agent nomination screen in Online services for business; 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.

Videos about myID and RAM

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

How to get started with myID and RAM

How to link your business in RAM

Support

If you experience any errors while completing the agent nomination process, contact us on 13 28 66 or your agent for help.

Before we can discuss your details or update your records, you must establish your identity. 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:

• myIDExternal Link
• RAMExternal Link

If you don't have a smart device call us on 13 28 66 and we’ll assist you to nominate your agent. Ensure you know what information you will need to have on hand during the call to establish your identity.

For further information, see Agent nomination.