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Falconhell69(Newbie)Newbie
4 July 2026

I'm.sick of ringing the ATO every year to have my tax unlocked so I can do my return, it's been 7 bloody years but was told it would only be locked for 2 years, I waste an hour on the phone to have it unlocked for 48 hours, only to find my income details haven't been submitted them have to ring again and be on the phone for another effing hour to unlock it again, I'm sick of this every year, why the hell can't they just remove the lock permanently, if my number is compromised, it's obviously from something they did

39 views
4 replies
39 views
4 replies

All replies

TaxTalk1234(Master)Master
4 July 2026

It's actually more likely that it was locked through a data breach that occurred elsewhere - my friend's account is locked because he used the same password and email for myGov AND myGov ID as he did for another site and that site's data was leaked.


But regardless, you could consider lodging a written request to have your ATO account unlocked - they may not allow it, depending on the security risk, but better to apply in writing rather than asking whoever you get on the phone when you ask to unlock.

Liked by Falconhell69
YellowPotato(Taxicorn)Taxicorn
4 July 2026

If TFN is locked indefinitely, it might be time you think about paying and lodging through tax agent. There's separate a phone line for them so generally would be easier for them to call ATO

KaraATO(Community Support)Community Support
5 July 2026

Hello @Falconhell69,


I thought I'd add onto the current conversation


When your tax file is locked due to security concerns, the standard procedure requires calling us each year to have it temporarily unlocked. The initial 2-year timeframe you were advised may have referred to a different lock type or circumstances that have since changed.


The lock on your account is a security measure designed to protect your info. While it can't be removed through this community platform, you can reach out to our Client Identity Support Centre (CISC) to discuss re-establishing your identity and what that will look like moving forward.

Falconhell69(Newbie)Newbie
6 July 2026

I.dknt want to pay to have my tax done, it's just a basic return that's easily done by myself, it's been just such a hassle every year to ring them

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Why is my tax account still locked every year? | ATO Community