myGov is the Australian government’s online portal for accessing services from multiple agencies — including the ATO, Centrelink, Medicare, and others. To lodge your tax return via myTax, check your HECS balance, or view your income statements, you need a myGov account linked to the ATO.
Step 1 — Create a myGov Account
If you do not have a myGov account:
- Go to my.gov.au
- Select Create a myGov account
- Enter your email address
- Create a password
- Set up sign-in options — you can use a passkey, the myGov app, or SMS codes for two-factor authentication
You will receive a verification email to confirm your address.
Step 2 — Link the ATO to Your myGov Account
Once your myGov account is set up:
- Log in to myGov
- Go to Services in the top menu
- Select Australian Taxation Office
- Select Link
The system will ask you to verify your identity by providing details the ATO already has on record. You will need to provide two of the following:
- A Notice of Assessment from the current or previous year (showing your income and the tax reference)
- Your bank account details registered with the ATO (BSB and account number)
- PAYG payment summary details (gross income and tax withheld amounts)
- A dividend or interest statement amount on your tax record
If you have never lodged a return before, you may not have these documents. In this case, you can verify your identity at an ATO shopfront or contact the ATO directly at 13 28 61 for alternative verification.
Step 3 — Access ATO Online Services
Once the ATO is linked, select it from your myGov dashboard. You will be taken into the ATO’s online services portal. From here you can:
- Lodge a tax return — via myTax
- View income statements — marked “Tax ready” when finalised by your employer
- Check your HECS-HELP balance — current balance and repayment status
- View your tax account — past returns, assessments, amounts owing or refunded
- Update personal details — address, bank account
- View your super accounts — linked through the ATO’s MySuper data
What Your ATO Account Shows
| Feature | What you can see |
|---|---|
| Income statements | Wages, tax withheld, super contributions (from all employers) |
| Tax returns | Status of current and past lodgements |
| HECS/HELP | Current balance, repayment activity |
| Super accounts | All super funds linked to your TFN |
| Notices of Assessment | Current and prior year assessments |
| Payment history | Tax paid, refunds received, any outstanding debts |
| Pre-fill data | Income, bank interest, dividends that will pre-fill your return |
Security — Protecting Your myGov Account
Your myGov account gives access to sensitive government records. To protect it:
- Use a strong, unique password
- Enable two-factor authentication (SMS or the myGov app is recommended)
- Do not share login credentials with anyone
- Enable the myGov Inbox notifications so you receive alerts about account activity
- Check your account regularly — the ATO sends important notices (assessments, refunds, correspondence) to your myGov inbox
Be aware of myGov phishing scams — scammers send fake emails and SMS messages claiming to be myGov or the ATO and directing you to fraudulent websites. Always access myGov directly at my.gov.au, never via a link in an email or SMS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use myGov on my phone? Yes. The myGov app is available on iOS and Android. It supports logging in with biometrics (Face ID/fingerprint) and provides access to all services including the ATO.
What if I forget my myGov password? Select “Forgot password” on the login screen and follow the recovery steps using your registered email address.
What if I have never lodged a return and cannot verify my identity online? If you cannot complete online identity verification because you have no ATO records, call the ATO on 13 28 61 and they will assist with identity verification for first-time lodgers.
What if someone else has linked my TFN without my knowledge? Contact the ATO’s fraud team immediately at 1800 467 033. This is a serious security issue and the ATO will investigate and secure your account.
Do I need a myGov account to use a tax agent? No. A registered tax agent has their own access to ATO systems and can lodge on your behalf without you needing myGov access. However, having your own myGov account is useful for monitoring your tax affairs and checking refund status.
This article provides general tax information. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a registered tax agent. Find one through the Tax Practitioners Board register.