If you’ve searched for “ATO linking code,” you’ve probably hit a wall trying to connect your myGov account to ATO Online Services. Many people search for an ATO linking code because they can’t complete the online verification process.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to link online or receive a temporary linking code from the ATO after identity verification.
This guide explains how ATO linking codes work, when you need one, and what to do if your linking attempt isn’t working.
What Is an ATO Linking Code?
An ATO linking code is a temporary, single-use code issued by the ATO when you cannot verify your identity online while linking your myGov account to ATO Online Services.
The code is provided after you verify your identity with the ATO over the phone and must be used within 24 hours before it expires.
If the online verification process can’t match your details, you can contact the ATO on 13 28 61. After verifying your identity, the ATO may provide a linking code to complete the connection.
ATO linking codes for individuals are different from RAM (Relationship Authorisation Manager) codes, which are used for business authorisations and linking digital identities with ABNs. RAM is a separate system and does not apply when linking your personal myGov account to ATO Online Services.
Why Linking Your ATO Account Matters
Linking your myGov account to the ATO gives you a single, secure place to:
- Lodge and track your tax return.
- View your income statements and Notice of Assessment.
- Check your superannuation details.
- Manage payment plans and debts.
- Update personal and bank details.
Without this link, you can’t access most ATO online services digitally, and you’d need to rely on paper forms or phone-based support for routine tasks.
How to Link ATO to myGov (Individuals)
- Sign in to myGov. Use myID where possible. It’s the government’s Digital ID app and one of the most secure sign-in options. Signing in with a secret question as your only method is no longer supported for linking to ATO services.
- Select View and link services. Then choose the Australian Taxation Office.
- Enter your Tax File Number (TFN). Enter your 9-digit TFN with no spaces, along with your name exactly as it appears on ATO records. If you don’t know your TFN, see our guide on how to find your TFN.
- Answer identity verification questions. The ATO may ask for information it already holds, such as:
- Notice of Assessment issued in the last 5 years
- Bank account details
- Superannuation account details
- PAYG/STP income statement
- Dividend statement
- Centrelink payment summary
- If two matching details are confirmed, your account will link immediately, and the ATO will appear under your linked services on the myGov homepage.
If You Can’t Verify Online
If you cannot verify your identity online, contact the ATO on 13 28 61. After confirming your identity, the ATO may provide a temporary linking code that you can enter through myGov to complete the linking process.
Having your TFN and any identifying information ready before you call can help speed up the process.
How to Enter an ATO Linking Code in myGov
Once you receive your linking code from the ATO:
- Sign in to your myGov account.
- Select View and link services.
- Choose Australian Taxation Office.
- Select “I have a linking code” instead of answering verification questions.
- Enter your linking code and follow the prompts to complete the linking process.
Your linking code is valid for 24 hours. If the code expires or does not work, you will need to contact the ATO again.
Practical Example
Imagine you’ve just graduated from university and are lodging your first tax return. Since you haven’t received a Notice of Assessment yet and may have limited tax history available, the ATO may not have enough details to verify your identity online.
As a result, your attempt to link the ATO to your myGov account may fail.
In this case, call the ATO on 13 28 61, have your TFN and any identifying details ready, and the ATO can help you complete the verification process over the phone or guide you on the next steps to finish linking your myGov account.
If this is your first tax return, you may also find our guide on how to lodge your first tax return in Australia helpful.
Setting Up myID Before You Start
Before attempting to link, set up myID to at least a Standard identity strength, and ideally Strong. Signing in to myGov with myID can simplify the linking process and add an extra layer of security to your ATO account.
If your myID has a Strong identity strength and your details match ATO records, you may be able to complete verification without answering additional questions.
Common Reasons ATO Linking Attempts Fail
- Mismatched details: Your name, date of birth, or document details don’t exactly match ATO records. This could include extra spaces, a middle name being left out, or an incorrectly entered TFN.
- Unsupported sign-in method: Trying to link using a secret question as your only sign-in option.
- All available questions skipped: This counts as a failed attempt, so answer each question rather than skipping through.
- Security-related errors: Some errors, such as PAB.DE.0006, may require additional verification or assistance from the ATO. These issues are not always resolved by waiting and trying again later.
- Session timeouts: These are usually caused by a slow connection. Simply sign in again and restart the session.
- Broken existing link: A previously linked account can become unlinked after a system update or a long period of inactivity. In this case, you’ll need to relink via View and link services.
Common error codes may appear when linking your ATO account. Some errors relate to mismatched information, while security-related errors may require further verification by the ATO. If you cannot complete the linking process, contact the ATO on 13 28 61 for assistance.
ATO Linking Code Not Working? Here’s What to Do
If your ATO linking code is not working, check the following:
- Make sure you entered the code correctly.
- Confirm the code has not expired. Linking codes are valid for 24 hours.
- Ensure you selected the “I have a linking code” option when linking through myGov.
If the issue continues, contact the ATO on 13 28 61 for assistance.
Quick Troubleshooting Checklist
- Your TFN is entered correctly (9 digits, no spaces).
- Your name matches your ATO records exactly.
- You’re using the correct sign-in method for your myGov account.
- You’ve tried another combination of information accepted by the ATO for verification if one option doesn’t work.
- If you receive a security-related error or cannot complete verification, contact the ATO on 13 28 61 for assistance.
Final Thoughts
Linking your myGov account to the ATO is usually quick if your details match the ATO’s records. Having the right information ready can help you avoid delays and repeated verification attempts.
If you need help with ATO account access, identity verification or lodging your tax return, Clear Tax Australia is here to help. Our experienced accountants can guide you through the process and provide reliable tax support and guidance to meet your needs.
FAQs
What is an ATO linking code?
An ATO linking code is a temporary, single-use code issued by the ATO when you cannot verify your identity online. It allows you to complete the linking process through myGov after confirming your identity with the ATO.
How do I get an ATO linking code?
If you cannot verify your identity online, contact the ATO on 13 28 61. After confirming your identity, the ATO may provide a temporary linking code that you can enter through myGov to complete the connection.
Why is my ATO linking code not working?
If your ATO linking code is not working, check that you have entered the code correctly and that it has not expired. If the issue continues, contact the ATO for assistance.
