About client-to-agent linking steps
Businesses with an ABN can use our online services to nominate an agent. These steps are for clients who need to nominate an agent.
You only need to do this when you:
- engage a new tax or BAS agent, or payroll service provider
- change the authorisations you give your existing registered agent (for example, they start representing you for a new obligation, such as income tax or a new entity in your group.)
Your agent cannot complete the process for you. However, they can assist you to understand what you need to do.
Downloadable guide
You can download a guide with screenshots of Online services for business as a portable document format (PDF): How to nominate an agent in Online services for business (PDF, 380KB)This link will download a file.
Print these instructions
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.
Do you have access to Online services for business?
- 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 (myGovID)
Download the myGovID app, available from the App Store or Google and follow these instructions on how to set up your myGovIDExternal Link.
Choose your identity strength:
- A Strong myGovID – by verifying your Australian passport and either a citizenship certificate, driver licence or Medicare card.
- A Standard myGovID – by verifying 2 Australian identity documents. With a Standard myGovID you will need to contact usExternal Link to complete Step 2.
Note: myGovID is unique to you, using your personal information – you cannot share it with others.
Step 2: Link your myGovID to your ABN
You'll need to link your myGovID to your Australian business number (ABN) using Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM)External Link.
If you have a Strong myGovID 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 myGovID
- are a primary personExternal Link – this is a type of principal authority who's not listed as an individual associate in the Australian Business Register. For example, the authorised contact of a government entity.
For more information, see How to link your business onlineExternal Link.
Step 3: Log in to Online services for business
Use your myGovID to log in to Online services for businessExternal Link.
Step 4: Nominate your authorised agent in Online services for business
To complete this step you'll need your agent's (or payroll service provider’s) registered agent number.
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 (or payroll service provider'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.
For more information, go to Agent nomination.
Step 5: Let your agent know you have nominated them
The agent you nominate won't receive an automated system notification. It’s important to let them know when you've completed the nomination step.
Your agent has 28 days to action the nomination before it 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:
- from the Agent nomination screen in Online Services for Business, select Extend. Tip: You can find this next to your agent's name.
- at the Extend agent nomination screen, check the details of the agent are correct. If they are not correct, 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.
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 the agent's details.
For help with your digital identity and linking your business see: