top of page
Search

Client-to-Agent Linking Is Expanding to Individuals and Sole Traders

bbs610
8 minutes ago
3 min read

Here's the post ready to copy. Select from the title down to the end of Sources and paste it into your website editor. Headings, bold text and the table should carry across.


The ATO is extending client-to-agent linking to individuals and sole traders. A pilot runs from March to October 2027, and full implementation begins in November 2027.

From November 2027, when you appoint a new tax agent or change what your agent can do for you, you'll confirm the request online. It's a quick step, and we'll guide you through it.

Stage

When

What it means for you

Pilot

March to October 2027

Selected agents and the clients they take on test the new process

Full implementation

From November 2027

Linking becomes the only way an agent can add a new individual or sole trader client

What is client-to-agent linking?


Client-to-agent linking is an ATO security measure. Your agent sends a nomination request, and you confirm it online before they can be added as your agent.


The ATO introduced it for businesses (other than sole traders) in 2022 and 2023. Fraudsters had been using compromised agent credentials to link to clients, lodge false activity statements, change bank details and view taxpayer information. The ATO says linking has stopped this fraud for businesses, and is now extending it to individuals and sole traders.


The key benefit for you: no one can act on your tax affairs with the ATO unless you have personally authorised them.


What it means for individuals and sole traders


  • New clients: from November 2027, linking is the only way a registered agent can add a new individual or sole trader client.

  • Changing agents or authorisations: the process applies when you appoint a new agent, or change the authorisations you've given your existing agent.

  • Existing clients: no action is needed at this stage. The ATO has confirmed existing agent authorisations and access arrangements remain unchanged.

  • Sole traders: you're covered by this new individual process, not the existing business process.


To confirm a request, you'll need the ATO app or a myGov account linked to the ATO. The ATO is also developing assisted and non-digital options for people who can't use online services or need extra support.


How to link to your agent


We start the process, and you confirm it online in a few minutes.


  1. Tell us you'd like us to act for you. We'll confirm the authorisations you want to give us.

  2. We send a nomination request. We start it from our practice software or the ATO's Online services for agents.

  3. You confirm the request. Review and confirm it in the ATO app, or in Online services for individuals through myGov.

  4. We're linked. We can now add you to our client list and act for you with the ATO.


The ATO will publish more guidance and support materials before November 2027. We'll share anything you need to know as soon as it's available.


How to prepare, and how we can help


You don't need to do anything today, but a little preparation now will make the change seamless.


  • Make sure you can sign in. Set up the ATO app, or check that your myGov account is linked to the ATO and you can log in.

  • Keep your details current. Up-to-date contact details mean ATO and agent messages reach you.

  • Watch for updates from us. We'll keep you informed as the ATO releases more guidance before November 2027.


Bay Business Solutions Group is following these changes closely. If you have questions or would like help with your myGov account or linking, please get in touch with our team.


Sources

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page