How to access myGov and ATO online services while overseas

Going on vacation? Moving overseas permanently? Make sure to check your myGov sign in options before you go! That way, you’ll be able to access your ATO online account from wherever you are in the world.

What do I need to do before I leave Australia?

Checking you’ll still be able to access ATO online services while overseas before you leave may save you a headache down the road!

To check and update your myGov sign in option, go to Account settings > Sign in settings from the menu. If you won’t have access to your Australian mobile number, you’ll need to use one of the following sign in options instead:

• myID this opens in a new window 

• myGov code generator app this opens in a new window 

• Passkeys this opens in a new window 

If you plan to live overseas, it’s important to check your tax and super obligations before you go. If you have a study loan, you may need to notify us this opens in a new window  of your overseas travel plans.

For more info head to Australians living overseas this opens in a new window .

How can I access myGov and ATO online services when I’m already overseas?

If you didn’t update your sign in method before leaving Australia, don’t lose hope! You may be able to recover your account. To do so, you’ll need a myID with a Strong identity strength. Follow the steps to set up your myID this opens in a new window  and then check out our info on how to recover your account.

If you’re unable to get a Strong identity strength, you won’t be able to recover your account. Instead, you’ll need to create a brand new myGov account and link it to us.

If you’re unable to link yourself, contact our overseas enquiry line this opens in a new window  for a linking code.

For more information about creating a myGov account and linking it to the ATO this opens in a new window  see our website.

How do I lodge my tax return from overseas?

The easiest way to lodge your tax return is through your ATO online this opens in a new window  account using myTax. If you’re having trouble lodging online, you may need to lodge by paper or with a registered tax agent.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to lodge your tax return early - before you leave Australia. The only way to lodge early is with a paper form. Check out our website to find out how to lodge your tax return before leaving Australia this opens in a new window .

For more help with lodging your tax return from outside Australia this opens in a new window , see our website.