How to Set Up myGov and Link the ATO for Your Tax Return

Setting up myGov and linking the ATO is the gateway to managing your Australian tax return online. As an international student earning money in Australia, you'll need to lodge a tax return by 31 October each year, and myGov is the easiest way to do it.

This is general information only, not financial or tax advice. The Afrovo team is not a licensed financial adviser. For specific tax questions, contact the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) at ato.gov.au or speak to a registered tax agent.

What Is myGov and Why Do You Need It?

myGov is the Australian Government's secure online platform. It connects you to multiple government services, including the ATO, so you can lodge tax returns, check your tax records and update your income information all in one place.

As a student worker, you'll use myGov to access your ATO account, download your income statement from your employer, and lodge your tax return. It's free, secure and takes about 10 minutes to set up.

Step 1: Create Your myGov Account

Go to my.gov.au in your web browser and click "Create your myGov account".

You'll need:

• •Your email address (a personal email is fine, not your university one)
• •A password (at least 8 characters, mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers and special characters)
• •Your mobile phone number (so the ATO can send you a security code when you log in)

Enter your email and create a password. Click "Next" and enter your mobile number. The ATO will send you a one-time security code via SMS. Enter it to confirm your phone number.

You'll then set up a security question (something like "What's your mother's maiden name?") in case you lose access. Write this answer down somewhere safe.

Once you've done this, your myGov account is created. You'll receive a confirmation email.

Step 2: Link Your ATO Account to myGov

Log in to your new myGov account at my.gov.au.

You'll see a dashboard with a list of services. Look for "Australian Taxation Office (ATO)" and click "Link". If you don't see it, scroll down or search "ATO" in the search box.

Click the green "Link service" button next to the ATO.

Step 3: Prove Your Identity (Linking)

The ATO will ask you to prove who you are before linking. You have two options:

Option A: Use Your Tax File Number (TFN)

If you already have a TFN (which you should if you've worked in Australia), select this option. Enter your TFN and your date of birth. The ATO will check your details.

If you don't have a TFN yet, apply for one at the ATO first. It's free. You can apply online at ato.gov.au or in person at an ATO office. You'll need your passport and proof of your Australian address.

Option B: Use Your Passport and Date of Birth

If you've just arrived and don't have a TFN yet, the ATO can verify you using your passport number and date of birth. This takes a few minutes.

Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport. Tick the box to confirm you're linking the account for yourself, not someone else.

Step 4: Complete the Link

The ATO will process your details. This usually happens instantly, but can take up to 24 hours.

Once linked, you'll see "Australian Taxation Office" appear on your myGov dashboard with a green "Linked" status. You can now click into your ATO account whenever you need to.

Congratulations - you're linked.

Step 5: Explore Your ATO Account

Once you're linked, click on "Australian Taxation Office" on your myGov dashboard to enter your ATO account.

Inside, you'll see several useful tabs:

• •Tax return-where you'll lodge your return when tax time arrives
• •Income statement-once your employer has reported your pay to the ATO, you'll see your income details here (usually available from early November for the previous financial year)
• •Tax records-your payment history, any refunds owed to you, and notices of assessment
• •My details-your personal information on file

Have a look around. There's no rush. You don't need to do anything until tax time (typically October each year).

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

"I can't find the ATO service to link"

Make sure you're logged into myGov. Scroll down the services list or search "ATO" in the search box. If it's still not showing, log out and log back in. Sometimes it takes a moment to appear.

"The ATO says it can't verify my identity"

This usually happens if your passport details don't match what the ATO has on file. If you've recently arrived in Australia, the ATO may not have your details yet. Wait a few weeks, then try again. Or go to an ATO office in person with your passport to verify your identity.

"I'm locked out of myGov"

If you enter your password wrong three times in a row, myGov will lock you out for 24 hours. Click "Forgot your password?" and follow the steps to reset it. The ATO will send you a code via SMS.

"I don't have a TFN yet"

Apply for one before linking the ATO. Go to ato.gov.au, search "apply for a tax file number" and follow the online form. Bring your passport and proof of address (a rental agreement, utility bill or letter from your university works).

Scam Alert: Fake myGov Emails

Never click links in emails claiming to be from myGov or the ATO, even if they look real. Scammers send fake emails asking you to "verify your account" or "confirm your password".

If you're unsure, go directly to my.gov.au by typing the address yourself, or call the ATO on 13 28 61 (local call).

Read more at Scamwatch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is setting up myGov really free?

A: Yes, completely free. myGov is run by the Australian Government and costs nothing to create or use.

Q: How often do I need to link the ATO?

A: Only once. Once linked, your myGov account will stay connected to the ATO indefinitely, as long as you keep your myGov account active.

Q: Can I use myGov on my phone?

A: Yes. Download the myGov app from your phone's app store (iOS or Android). Log in with the same email and password. It's convenient if you need to check your income or tax details on the go.

Q: What if I've worked in Australia before and already have a myGov account?

A: Log in with your existing details. Just make sure the ATO is linked. If it's not, follow Step 2 above to link it.

Q: Do I have to use myGov to lodge my tax return?

A: No. You can also use a registered tax agent or tax software (which often does the work for you). But myGov is free and straightforward for most student situations. Learn more at the ATO.

Ready to Lodge Your Tax Return?

Once you've set up myGov and linked the ATO, you're ready for tax time. Your income statement will appear in your ATO account by early November each year, and you'll have until 31 October to lodge your return.

For more help with managing your money as a student, visit our student finance hub. And when you're ready to file, the ATO has step-by-step guides at ato.gov.au.