Agents urged to set up myGovID with AUSkey to retire in 9 weeks

The ATO has announced that while agents will be able to login with an AUSkey until late March, myGovID will become the default login option on the Online services for agents login page from 25 January. 

However, following the closure of AUSkey in late March, agents who have not set up their myGovID, won't be able to access Online services for agents.

myGovID is a digital identity credential that helps agents prove who they are when accessing government services online.

It is now available as an app through the Apple and Google Play stores, and can be used with most Apple devices using iOS 10 or above and most Android devices using Nougat 7.0 or above. 

According to the Tax Office, setting up myGovID on a compatible smart device should take "only a few minutes", but agents are being warned they will need to do it before their practice can move over to the new process. 

"To prove your identity on myGovID you'll need to enter your full name, date of birth, and email address. The email address should belong to you – don't use a shared email address.

"You'll also need any two of these four Australian identity documents: passport, drivers licence, birth certificate or Medicare card," an ATO notice reads. 

It also explained that if you are the principal authority for your practice, you can use your myGovID to login into the Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) website and link your myGovID to your practice Australian business number (ABN). This will allow you to establish access permissions for your practice.

"Principal authorities will need to ensure all staff that need access to Online services for agents have set up their personal myGovID," the ATO added.

There are a wide range of online resources available to help agents make the switch.

"Familiarising yourself now with the process and making sure you have your own myGovID set up will put you in the best position to make the change before AUSkey retires," the ATO has advised.