top of page

Client-to-agent linking steps

Discover the seamless process of linking clients to agents with the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) client-to-agent linking steps with XTAS Partners.

This comprehensive guide outlines the step-by-step procedure for tax and super professionals to establish a secure and efficient connection between clients and agents.

From accessing the ATO online services portal to initiating the linking process and managing permissions, this resource provides detailed instructions and valuable insights to streamline client-agent interactions.

Stay informed and compliant with the ATO's digital services by mastering the client-to-agent linking steps today.

Client-to-agent linking steps

Do you have access to Online services for business?

  • Yes Go to step 3.

  • No Go to step 1.

Before you start Step 1 & 2

To complete step 1-2 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 birth certificate, 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.

n75562 [DE-60467] - How to nominate an agent in Online services for business_DIGITAL.pdf.png
bottom of page