The new ATO Agent Nomination Process, What is it? A Step-by-Step nomination guide.

Why this matters?

Linking Process for Agent nomination

The ATO has added a new layer of security to their agent portals. Whilst this may add some wait time to your lodgments, the length of this delay will depend on you. We've provided you our step-by-step guide on how to nominate us as your accountant and tax agent quickly and easily.

What is this change?

Starting from the 13th of November 2023, businesses with an ABN (excluding sole traders) will be required to nominate their Tax or Bas Agent (or even their payroll guru) through the new agent nomination feature in 'Online services for business'. This applies to when you engage a new Tax or Bas Agent, (or when new authorizations to an existing agent are required.) Yes, this means that your accountant's now going to be waiting for you to accept their "friend request on Facebook" (In MyGov), but this wait time depends on you.

Here's some good news! This new step only applies to new arrangements. So if you were happy with us last year, you're all set! You won't need to do this every year.

Linking process

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Read below for the complete step-by-step guide to making this process quick and simple for you:

STEP 1: Set up your MyGovID Account (If you've already got this set up skip to step 2 and if you've already linked your MyGovID to your business skip to step 3)

QUICK TIP: Your myGovID is different to your myGov account.

Your MyGovID is like your digital government identity, it lets you prove who you are and allows you to log in to a range of Government online services.

1. Download the MyGovID App

2. Create an account through the app

3. Improve your Identity strength to, at least, "Standard" using 2 forms of Australian identification. These, these can be any of the following:

1. Driver's License or learner's permit

2. Passport (not more than three years expired

3. Birth Certificate

4. Visa (Using your foreign passport)

5. Citizenship certificate

6. ImmiCard

7. Medicare Card

STEP 2: Link your MyGovID to your ABN

You will use RAM to do this, the process to do this depends on your role in the business. Follow the links to the setup page for whichever role applies to you:

Principal authority

Authorised user and administrator

STEP 3: Log in to Online Services for Business. (You'll use your MyGovID for this)

You can access it here https://onlineservices.ato.gov.au/business/ or by searching for "Online services for business" online.

STEP 1: Select Profile, then Agent Details

STEP 2: At the Agent nominations, select Add

STEP 3: On the Nominate Agent screen, go to Search for agent

STEP 4: Type your Agent's RAN or practice name (we will have provided our RAN so you can enter this and get us directly), and search

STEP 5: Select the correct agent (if multiple results were returned be cautious to pick the right one)

STEP 6: Double Check the agent details are correct

STEP 7: Complete the Declaration

STEP 8: Select submit

Bonus Step: Let us know!! The ATO does not notify agents when the nomination is complete so informing us of completion is up to you.

That's it! You should now see your agent's details listed under Agent Nominations and you're all set.

For a full breakdown of the process and additional information see the ATO's client guide on this change.

This articles intention is to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation at the time. Each Taxpayer’s circumstances vary so we strongly recommend that you discuss this information with your Tax Agent, Accountant or Bas Agent before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, we accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred. This is general advice only.