Navigating the ATO’s Enhanced Client-to-Agent Linking Process: A Step-by-Step Guide and Agent Nomination Overview

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has introduced a revamped client-to-agent linking process set to take effect from 13 November 2023 (all businesses with an ABN, excluding sole traders will need to use this new process when appointing or replacing a tax agent). This significant change aims to streamline and enhance the interaction between tax agents and their clients while prioritising security and efficiency. An integral part of this update is the agent nomination process, offering a new and more secure method for clients to link with their tax agents. In this blog, we’ll provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide to the ATO’s new client-to-agent linking process, including an overview of the Agent Nomination feature.

Understanding Agent Nomination

The agent nomination feature facilitates a more secure and transparent process for clients to link their tax agents via myGovID. This system ensures clients have control and visibility over which agents can act on their behalf.

Step-by-Step Guide for Client-to-Agent Linking:

Step 1: Register for myGovID

For tax agents and clients, the first step is to register for myGovID. This involves downloading the myGovID app and following the prompts to set up a secure digital identity.

Step 2: Set Up Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM)

After setting up myGovID, link it to your Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) account. RAM enables users to manage authorisations and relationships for business, BAS, and agent services.

Step 3: Access ATO Online Services

Use your myGovID to log in to ATO Online Services for business. This will grant access to manage client linking.

Step 4: Initiate Agent Nomination

As a client, you’ll need your agent’s (or payroll service provider’s) details, such as their registered agent number (RAN) or practice name for this step. Then go to the ATO Online Services:

1. At the Agent nominations feature, select Add.
2. On the Nominate agent screen, go to Search for agent.
3. Type your agent’s (or payroll service provider’s) RAN or practice name and select Search (Charman Partners Pty Ltd RAN is 63 222 005).
4. Select the agent you want to nominate (if multiple results are returned, select the correct agent).
5. Check that the agent’s details are correct.
6. Complete the Declaration.
7. Select Submit. Enter your agent’s registered agent number (RAN) or practice name for this step. Confirm the authorisation request.
8. Advise the nominated Agent that you have completed the nomination process at the ATO.

Step 5: Accept Nomination

As a tax agent, Charman Partners, upon receiving the client’s nomination request, will log into our ATO Online Services for agents account, review the request and accept it.

Step 6: Confirmation and Completion

Once we have accepted the nomination, the linking process is complete. The ATO will send both parties a confirmation of the successful link.

Implications and Benefits:

Enhanced Security: agent nomination ensures that clients have control over who can act on their behalf, enhancing security and trust in the process.

Simplified Interaction: the streamlined process makes it easier for clients and tax agents to link and manage their tax affairs through a more user-friendly platform.

Transparency and Control: clients have visibility and control over the authorisations granted to their tax agents, enhancing transparency in the relationship.