Just finding out about the ATO app? We’ve put together some info to help you get to know the ins and outs. You can check your tax return progress and super balance, record your deductions, and even lock and unlock your account.
Log into the ATO app - the first time you sign in to the app, you’ll be asked to register your device to enable the latest security features. You’ll be asked to provide a unique Australian mobile phone number and email address. This will link your device with your ATO account, allowing you to receive important security messages and lock your account.
Setting it up on a new device?
You can register up to 3 devices using the ATO app by signing in with your myGov account linked to the ATO. When setting up a new device, your first step is to register it in the app. You only need to do this one time and you’ll be automatically prompted to complete the process when you first sign in.
Please note: you shouldn’t delete or uninstall the ATO app – this won’t remove the device from your ATO account. If possible, you should remove a device in the ATO app before adding a new one.
What are the ATO app features?
The ATO app is a gateway to ATO online services at your fingertips. It has exclusive features that are only available through the app, like:
getting real-time security messages
locking and unlocking your account
being able to record your deductions.
Now that you’re logged in, let’s look at what the app can do for you!
Using quick login
The quick login feature allows you to use your mobile device’s face or fingerprint ID to login to the app. For security reasons, you’ll need to re-verify your details through myGov after using the quick login feature for a long period of time. You’ll get a notification from the app when it’s time to re-verify.
Receiving security messages
When key updates are made to your account, we’ll let you know by sending a message directly to your ATO app. This happens in real time when important changes are made, like:
your bank account details are updated,
tax return lodgments are made, or
other devices are registered to your account.
We’ll only send you security messages through the ATO app. All other messages will still be sent through your myGov inbox. Make sure to turn on push notifications to ensure you’re notified when security messages are sent to the ATO app.
Locking and unlocking your account
When you’re sent a security message about your ATO account, you’ll be prompted to review the details.
If you didn’t make the changes or they look suspicious, you’ll have the option to lock your account. Follow the 'Lock ATO record' prompts on your screen to lock your account, if needed. Once your account is locked, you’ll be immediately logged out of the ATO app.
While your account is locked:
you can't log in to online services – any potential fraudsters will be locked out too
a confirmation email will be sent to the address you provided when registering your device
refunds won’t be issued
your registered agent can continue to manage your tax affairs.
If you’re locking your account due to suspected fraudulent activity, you must call us immediately to discuss your concerns. You can do this by using the contact info provided to you. We may need to put more controls in place to protect your info.
When you’re ready to unlock your account, you can do this straight from the app by using the same registered device that you locked it with.
Verify call
When you receive a call claiming to be from us, you can use the Verify call feature in the ATO app to check that the call is genuine. To verify a call:
open the ATO app and log in
select Verify call
follow the on-screen prompts.
If you are unable to verify the call, hang up and don’t continue the conversation.
Using the myDeductions tool
Scrambling to track down all your work-related expenses at tax time? myDeductions is a free record-keeping tool on the ATO app home screen that helps with keeping all your records in the one place. Without needing to login, you can record your deductions directly in the app by providing the type of expense, specific details of the expense and even an image of the receipt. Once tax time rolls around and you’re ready to lodge your return, you can log in and upload your deductions straight from the app into your return. If you use a tax agent, you can share the details with them too.
The tax withheld calculator allows you to easily check how much tax should be withheld from salary or wages. This is especially helpful if you have a second job, and you need to work out how much tax you need to be paying on both incomes.
The ABN lookup tool give you access to search for a business’s ABN and view other public info about the business. For example, you can check that the business you’re purchasing goods from is registered for goods and services tax (GST) so you can claim GST credits.
You can locate these tools on the ATO app home screen – no login required!
Checking your business performance
Ever wondered how your business compares to others in your industry? We've developed small business benchmarks to see how you shape up. The easiest way to check your business’s performance, is using the Business performance check tool in the ATO app. You don’t have to login to access the tool, just select the more icon on the app’s home screen, then click on business performance check. You can use this tool to compare your business’ performance to other small businesses in the same industry!
The tool:
uses annual small business benchmark data from over 100 different business types
estimates annual performance based on as little as one month’s data (the more data, the better accuracy)
allows you to compare the cost of goods sold and expenses with similar businesses
provides financial performance ratios including ability to manage debt commitments and working capital
compares subsequent reports in the tool with previous financial results to monitor any variations in performance.
Managing your tax and super in the app
Staying on top of your tax and super info doesn’t have to be complicated. With the ATO app you can securely manage your details, track your current year return, check your super and access all your important info at your fingertips.
Checking key dates for lodgments and actions
Right as you log in, you can check if your lodgments and payments are up to date. You’ll be able to view key dates for when your lodgments and payments are due and action them in ATO online services.
Following your current year tax return
You can check if we have received your pre-fill info and work out if you’re ready to lodge. After it’s lodged, you can follow your tax return to check its progress and view the outcome.
Employment income
You can view your employment income by logging onto the app and selecting the Employment icon at the bottom of the screen. From here, you’ll be able to track your gross reported income, amount of tax withheld, and superannuation contributions.
If you have multiple sources of income (investments or a second job) you can work out how much tax you’ve already paid and how much tax you’ll need to pay based off your income using this feature paired with the tax withheld calculator.
Super
Keep track of your super by selecting the Super icon at the bottom of the screen. This gives you access to a list of all your super accounts and balances (including accounts that you’re unaware of or lost). You can also manage your super with personalised actions e.g. link to ATO Online services to merge your super into one account.
View your tax accounts
View your tax accounts, including Higher Education Loan Program - HELP (previously known as HECS) or other study loans and activity statement accounts. Easily access transactions, payment plan details and make payments in ATO online services.
View your personal details and your registered agent details
Once you’ve logged in, select more at the bottom of the screen. From here, you’ll be able to find My details which includes your tax file number (TFN). You can also link to ATO Online services to update your personal details e.g. contact details, bank account details and authorised contacts.
From more, you can also find Agent details for checking the details of your registered agent and communication preferences.
