How to access my ATO online account?

Traditional tax management can be a major headache for busy entrepreneurs. Tracking down receipts, filling out forms, and visiting the ATO office takes precious time away from your core business activities. Dealing with physical documents is not only cumbersome but also increases the risk of losing important records.

Thankfully, the ATO online platform is designed to simplify your business tax life and fit seamlessly into your busy schedule.

Yes, you heard that right!

You can now manage your tax affairs whenever and wherever suits you, whether from your home office, a coffee shop or even on your phone while waiting for a meeting. How? Read on, and we'll teach you how to access your ATO online account!

Why access your ATO account online?

Whether you'd like to check or monitor your payment summaries and other business tax documents or want to streamline your interactions with the ATO, your online account is your gateway. Here are some key benefits:

• Lodging your tax returns: Submit your Business Activity Statements (BAS) and annual tax returns directly from your computer or mobile device.
• Managing your business information: Update your contact details, business registration information, and Australian Business Number (ABN) details as needed.
• Viewing correspondence: You can read notices from the ATO, check the status of your tax refunds, and review your payment history.
• Applying for payment plans: If you need to spread your tax payments, you can easily set up a payment plan online.
• Accessing tax calculators and tools: The ATO provides online resources to help you estimate your tax liabilities and understand different tax concepts.
• Registering for GST and PAYG withholding: Easily manage your Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding obligations online.
• Managing your personal details: Update your Tax File Number (TFN), bank account information, and more.
• Accessing and completing employment forms: If you're a sole trader who also works for someone else, you can manage employment forms (e.g., TFN declaration, super choice) online.
• Viewing your tax information: Check your TFN, ABN, communication history, debts on hold, payment plan status, and even study or training support loans.
• Lodge, pay and amend your business tax: Lodge your tax return online with myTax, check its status, and make amendments if needed. Thriday, an AI-powered business banking* tool, can also help you lodge your taxes along with other amazing finance management features.
• Manage other lodgments (sole traders): Add or update tax registrations, lodge super guarantee charge statements, manage Single Touch Payroll (STP), and more.

How to access your ATO account?

1. Create a myGov account: If you don't already have one, visit the myGov website and create a free account. This is your central hub for accessing various government services, including the ATO.
2. Link your ATO account to myGov: After logging into myGov, select "Link a service" and choose the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Follow the prompts to connect your accounts securely.
3. Strong identity verification: For added security, the ATO recommends setting up a "strong" identity verification method, such as myGovID. This helps protect your information and gives you access to more features.

How do you view your tax information?

What if you need to quickly check your tax information without going through all the steps of lodging a return? That's easy, too:

1. Log in to your myGov account.
2. Select the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) service.
3. Navigate to the relevant section:
   • For your TFN, ABN, or communication history, go to "My profile."
   • For income statements, go to "Employment."
   • For notices of assessment or lodged returns, go to "Tax" then "Lodgments."

Important note: The exact location of information may vary slightly depending on updates to the ATO online services. If you have trouble finding something, use the search function or contact the ATO for assistance.

However, there's an even easier way to manage your tax information and streamline your accounting processes. Thriday Auto Accounting can save you a huge amount of time and money by automating cash flow and tax forecasts, providing real-time data, and offering comprehensive reports like income statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets. You can also lodge your BAS directly from your Thriday account, giving you full control over your financial situation.

Try Thriday for free and check how it will lessen your financial admin tasks!

Tips for navigating your ATO online account

Explore the dashboard.

Your dashboard provides a snapshot of your tax situation, including upcoming due dates, recent activity, and any outstanding obligations. Also, the ATO often displays links to frequently used services or information relevant to your business type (e.g., BAS lodgment for companies, income tax return for sole traders).

Use the Search function.

Instead of clicking through multiple menus, use the search bar to find what you need quickly. Search for keywords like "payment summary," "GST registration," or "super contributions" to get targeted results.

Contact the ATO directly.

If you get stuck or have questions, the ATO is there to help. You can:

• Call: Reach out to the ATO helpline for personalised assistance.
• Email: Send your queries via secure messaging within your ATO online account.
• Live Chat: Engage in a real-time conversation with an ATO representative.

With these tips, you'll navigate your ATO online account like a seasoned professional, ensuring your tax affairs are in order and your business is on track for success.

Frequently asked questions

Does the ATO have an app?

Yes, the ATO has a free app called the ATO app. It offers a range of features, including:

• Checking your super balance and recent transactions
• Lodging some tax returns (e.g., income tax)
• Keeping track of your tax deductions
• Receiving notifications from the ATO

You can download the ATO app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

How do I connect myGov to ATO?

1. Log in to your myGov account.
2. Go to Services.
3. Select the Link next to the Australian Taxation Office.
4. Follow the prompts, provide your details, and answer two questions to verify your tax record.

For more detailed instructions, refer to the ATO's guide on linking your myGov account to the ATO: [invalid URL removed]

Can I get an ATO linking code online?

No, you can't get an ATO linking code online. If you need help linking your accounts, here's a step-by-step guide you can read: https://www.thriday.com.au/blog-posts/how-to-get-a-linking-code-for-ato.

How do I recover my ATO account?

If you've forgotten your myGov password, you can reset it through the myGov website. If you've lost access to your myGov account entirely, you'll need to contact myGov for help.

How do I view my ATO statement of account?

1. Log in to your myGov account and select the ATO service.
2. Go to Tax.
3. Select Accounts, then Tax Accounts.
4. Choose the account you want to view (e.g., income tax, activity statement).

Your statement of account will show your current balance, payment history, and any upcoming due dates.