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Kaiser(Newbie)Newbie
20 Jan 2023

I have been attempting to fill in my tax return for an extended period of time, and I try to link my Mygov account to the ATO service. Each time I try this, it states that I do not have an ATO record to link to. Is an ATO record made for me when I apply for a TFN? Is it done automatically?

Do I need to make my own ATO record?

I have missed out on tax return money for this so far, but will lodge once it works and hopefully fix up.

Any help would be appreciated. Cheers

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498 views
3 replies

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Most helpful reply

AnitaATO(Community Support)Community Support
23 Jan 2023

Hey @KaiserATO,


We're sorry you're not able to link the ATO to your MyGov account so you can lodge your first tax return. You're correct in saying that when you apply, and you're issued with a TFN your ATO record is created. However, as you've never lodged a tax return or had any other dealings with us then you won't have any questions about your tax record available for you to answer to successfully link yourself.


As you don't have 2 questions about your tax record available you may need to request a linking code. This will assist you with linking the ATO with your MyGov account and you'll then be able to lodge your first tax return.


Good Luck!

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Most helpful reply

AnitaATO(Community Support)Community Support
23 Jan 2023

Hey @KaiserATO,


We're sorry you're not able to link the ATO to your MyGov account so you can lodge your first tax return. You're correct in saying that when you apply, and you're issued with a TFN your ATO record is created. However, as you've never lodged a tax return or had any other dealings with us then you won't have any questions about your tax record available for you to answer to successfully link yourself.


As you don't have 2 questions about your tax record available you may need to request a linking code. This will assist you with linking the ATO with your MyGov account and you'll then be able to lodge your first tax return.


Good Luck!

Kaiser(Newbie)Newbie
24 Jan 2023

Hi,


I've followed the steps you've mentioned, and when i go to link the services after putting in my details, it doesn't give me a linking code option, it just takes me straight to questions.


How can i find the linking code option?

Thanks

DanielleATO(Community Support)Community Support
25 Jan 2023

Hi @KaiserATO,


When you start the process, you need to attempt to use the 2 questions shared between you and the ATO. When you submit to verify your account, it will come back to say, 'account cannot be verified use a linking code'.


You will need to ensure you have received a 'Unique linking code' from the ATO to be able link to your myGov.

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Why can't I fill in my first tax return? | ATO Community