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Greco(Newbie)Newbie
3 Mar 2024

Let’s get a couple of FACTS out of the way:

1)       The myGovID app is atrocious

2)       Some people cannot prove who they are because the app doesn’t provide the ability to

So – if you cannot prove who you are, how can I access my ATO details so I can pay my taxes?


I no longer live in AU and as a NZ Citizen, cannot get to a ‘strong’ enough level on the myGovID app to access ATO. Since I no longer have the phone number linked to the app, I do not receive the codes sent to the number.

Those are the FACTS, so please provide details of how I can access my details without spending more hours trying to deal with myGovID?

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Liked by ashleydadd and Greco
11,542 views
10 replies

Most helpful response

Most helpful reply

Greco(Newbie)Newbie
5 Mar 2024

Unfortunately, this does not work.

I have re-created my myGov account and accessed using the myGov code generator. Tried to link ATO to my account, but get this noticication:


"Identity strength too weak to link to the ATO

You are unable to link to the ATO using your myGov sign in details. Select Cancel and sign back in using your strongest myGovID Digital Identity."


My statement stands - it is IMPOSSIBLE to access my ATO details without getting myGovID.


And this is not a possibility, since that system was designed by an incompetent and sadistic person. Or rather - a very competently sadistic person.

All replies

RileyATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
4 Mar 2024

Hi @Greco,


You'll need to set up a new myGov account and log in using the myGov code generator app. No myGovID needed. You'll then need to link that account to our online services.


If you're unable to get onto our online services you can look at lodging a different way.

Most helpful reply

Greco(Newbie)Newbie
5 Mar 2024

Unfortunately, this does not work.

I have re-created my myGov account and accessed using the myGov code generator. Tried to link ATO to my account, but get this noticication:


"Identity strength too weak to link to the ATO

You are unable to link to the ATO using your myGov sign in details. Select Cancel and sign back in using your strongest myGovID Digital Identity."


My statement stands - it is IMPOSSIBLE to access my ATO details without getting myGovID.


And this is not a possibility, since that system was designed by an incompetent and sadistic person. Or rather - a very competently sadistic person.

Liked by watermelonlover and Greco
Deb_ATO(Community Support)Community Support
11 Mar 2024

Hi @Greco


Looks like there's still some difficulties happening here. If your identity strength is too weak you'd need to get in touch with us on our overseas number so we can investigate options to give you access to our online services.

Andrearao(I'm new)I'm new
2 Aug 2024

@Deb_ATO

How can we get in Touch with you without from overseas without spending so much money waiting on the phone, I tried but my phone credit of 20 euros has gone in 20 minutes waiting time

watermelonlover(Newbie)Newbie
27 Sept 2024

Now we need strong identity Mygovid to use ATO online services. Strong identity Mygovid requires an Australian passport.


No passport = no ATO online service.

Really funning.

ideasman42(Enthusiast)Enthusiast
18 Aug 2024

Previously it wasn't possible to login to my.gov and access the ATO service without a mobile phone (I was using someone elses which wasn't great).


A "pass-key" can now be used to login without requiring an SMS verification code (USB security keys work well, recommend "NitroKey 3" but there are many options available).


So now it's finally possible to file tax returns without having to own a mobile phone.

As someone who doesn't have a mobile phone this is much appreciated, but it works well if your out of the country too.


Dimpl(I'm new)I'm new
29 Aug 2024

Unfortunately, if you've ever used MyGovId, it will not allow you to authenticate with passkey - the same error is provided (PAB.DE.0006).

kiwitaxpayer(I'm new)I'm new
4 Apr 2025

Just wondering if you ever resolved this? I'm in the same boat. Lived in Aussie, paid all my taxes.. moved away but still get paid in Aus so pay my large tax $$ but I cannot access myGov and need to get on there to access forms. so frustrating

snug_cobalt(Initiate)Initiate
22 July 2025

I was frustrated by this too – the MyID app is incredibly annoying and I just want to use passkeys.


The problem is that as soon as you sign in to the ATO using your MyID, it remembers you have done so and only lets you login using that same method.


I phoned the helpdesk, and as of yesterday they have new procedures regarding this. I told them I want to be able to do my tax without needing a mobile phone app to login. They informed me they have raised a ticket to have the flag reset, so I will be able to use my passkey to login to the ATO.

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How can I access ATO without myGovID? | ATO Community