Managing tax can be stressful — linking your myGov account to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) simplifies everything. This guide explains how to create a myGov account, obtain an ATO linking code, link your accounts online, and troubleshoot common problems so you can access ATO services quickly and securely.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- What is myGov and Why Link to the ATO?
- How to Create a myGov Account
- What is an ATO Linking Code?
- Steps to Link Your myGov Account to the ATO
- Common Questions and Troubleshooting
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Key Takeaways
- myGov links you to government services like Centrelink, Medicare and the ATO.
- A one-time ATO linking code can be used to connect myGov and ATO when online identity verification isn’t possible.
- Once linked, you can lodge tax returns, view notices of assessment, check PAYG summaries, and manage super and bank details via ATO online services.
What is myGov and Why Do You Need to Link It to the ATO?
myGov is Australia’s secure single sign-on portal for government services. Linking your myGov account to the Australian Taxation Office (also known as the Australian Taxation Dept) allows you to manage tax affairs—lodging returns, checking notices of assessment, viewing PAYG summaries, and updating bank details—without multiple logins or paper forms. Linking saves time, improves security, and centralises your government interactions.
How to Create a myGov Account
If you don’t already have a myGov account, follow these steps:
- Visit the official myGov website and choose Create a myGov account.
- Enter your email and create a strong password. Confirm your email via the code sent to your inbox.
- Add and verify a mobile number to enable SMS security codes.
- Choose security questions/answers for account recovery.
- Once created, stay logged in and proceed to add services — or follow the linking steps below when you’re ready.
Tip: Use a personal email you control and enable two-step verification for extra security.
What is an ATO Linking Code?
An ATO linking code is a unique, one-time code from the ATO that helps connect your myGov account to your ATO record securely. It’s useful when standard online identity checks (e.g., matching a tax file number with recent tax data) aren’t possible or fail. You can request this code from the ATO (by phone or sometimes via myGov prompts) and then enter it in your myGov account to complete linking tech.
Steps to Link Your myGov Account to the ATO
Follow these steps to link successfully:
- Log into myGov Use your email and password (and SMS security code if enabled).
- Go to Services From your myGov dashboard select Services → choose Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
- Attempt identity verification You’ll be prompted to enter your Tax File Number (TFN) and answer two short questions based on ATO records (for example, data from your most recent notice of assessment or PAYG payment summary).
- Use an ATO Linking Code if required:
If the verification questions fail or you do not have the requested documents, select the option to use a linking code.
Request the linking code from the ATO (via the phone number shown on myGov or the ATO website). The ATO will provide a one-time code.
Enter the ATO linking code in the myGov prompt. This will connect your myGov account to the ATO. - Complete prompts and confirm
Follow any on-screen steps until the ATO service appears under your myGov Services list. - Access ATO services You can now view your tax return, ATO notices, PAYG summaries, super details and other ATO online services.
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
I can’t verify my TFN or identity — what should I do?
Double-check your TFN entry and spelling of names. Ensure the document dates you’re using match ATO records (e.g., recent tax year). If verification still fails, request an ATO linking code.
How do I get an ATO linking code?
You can request it by calling the ATO phone helpline (details on the ATO or myGov site) or via the myGov linking prompts where available.
My linking code doesn’t work or has expired — now what?
Linking codes are usually time-limited and one-time use. Request a new code from the ATO and reattempt the linking process.
What documents might the ATO ask about when verifying me?
Notice of assessment, PAYG payment summary, bank account details, super account details, or dividend statements. Have these ready if possible.
Will linking myGov to the ATO share other service data?
Linking only connects your myGov account to the ATO service — it does not automatically share unrelated Centrelink or Medicare data beyond what you authorise via services.
Conclusion
Linking your myGov account to the ATO is a one-time setup that unlocks easy, secure access to tax services online — from lodging returns to checking notices of assessment and payment summaries. If verification fails, the ATO linking code is a reliable fallback. Gather your TFN and recent tax documents, request a linking code if needed, and follow the step-by-step prompts to complete the connection.
FAQ
1. How can I get an ATO linking code?
Request it by calling the ATO or via myGov prompts when you attempt to link your account.
2. What information do I need to link my myGov account to the ATO?
You’ll typically need your TFN, recent notice of assessment or PAYG summary details, and bank or super account details for verification.
3. What if the linking code has expired or won’t work?
Request a new link code from the ATO and retry the linking process.
4. Can someone else link my myGov account to the ATO for me?
No — linking requires your credentials and identity verification and must be completed by you.
5. Is it safe to link my myGov to the ATO?
Yes — myGov uses secure authentication and the ATO linking code is a protected one-time code designed to safeguard your identity.