Many business owners struggle to link their ATO account to myGovID or RAM because they need a temporary linking code from the ATO. It’s a frustratingly common hurdle, especially when setting up online access for the first time.

This guide explains how to contact the ATO, request a linking code, and complete the linking process correctly and efficiently.

Key Takeaways:

• What is it? An ATO linking code is a temporary, one-time-use code you get over the phone from the ATO to securely link your digital identity (myGovID) to a business or your tax record.
• When is it needed? You need it when the ATO’s automated systems can’t verify your identity online, which is common for new company directors, those with limited ATO history, or when linking to complex structures like trusts.
• How do you get it? The only way is to contact the ATO by phone. For business linking (RAM), call 13 28 66. For personal tax linking, call 13 28 61.
• How long does it last? The code is only valid for 24 hours. You must use it immediately.
• Common mistakes: Calling the wrong number, being unprepared for identity verification questions, and letting the code expire are the most frequent errors.

What Is an ATO Linking Code?

An ATO linking code is a secure, temporary code provided verbally by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Its purpose is to finalise the connection between your digital identity, your myGovID, and a business or tax record when standard online verification fails.

This code acts as a manual override, bridging the gap between ATO online services linking and the underlying identity verification process. It is a critical compliance measure designed by the ATO to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive financial information.

You will most commonly encounter the need for a linking code when using services like Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM), the platform used to manage business authorisations. Without it, you cannot act on behalf of a business online.

When You Need an ATO Linking Code

A request for a linking code is not an error; it’s a security checkpoint. The system triggers this manual step when it cannot automatically confirm your authority to access an entity’s tax records.

You will likely be required to obtain a linking code in several specific scenarios:

• Linking an ABN to RAM for the first time: As a principal authority (e.g., a sole trader, company director, or trustee), if the Australian Business Register (ABR) details don’t perfectly align with your myGovID, you will need a code.
• Adding ATO Online Services for Business: New directors or those with a “thin file” (limited recent lodgement history with the ATO) often fail the automated check and must call for a code to gain access.
• Setting up myGovID for directors: A new company director, even with a valid Director ID from the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS), will almost always need a linking code the first time they connect to their company’s ABN in RAM.
• Mismatched personal information: If your name or date of birth on ATO records differs slightly from your identity documents used for myGovID, the online link will fail.

Knowing these triggers helps you anticipate the need for a call, turning a potential roadblock into a planned step in the process.

ATO Linking Code Contact: How to Request One

Securing your linking code requires direct contact with the ATO. You cannot request it via online forms, email, or have a third party like an accountant do it for you. This is a mandatory, personal identity verification step.

Before calling, you must prepare the specific information the ATO officer will ask for. Being unprepared is the most common reason for a failed attempt, forcing you to call back and start over.

The table below outlines the primary methods for making an ATO linking code contact call.

Method	Contact Details	Notes
Phone	13 28 66 (Business line) or 13 28 61 (Individual line)	This is the most common and direct way. Use the business line for RAM/ABN linking and the individual line for personal myGov linking.
Online Services	Not applicable	You cannot request a linking code online. You are prompted to call after a failed online linking attempt.
Tax Agent	Your Accountant	A tax or BAS agent can guide you through the process and help you gather documents, but they cannot generate or receive the code for you.

Important Note: The ATO frequently updates its processes and contact details. Always check the current ATO guidance on their official website if you are unsure which number to call.

How to Get an ATO Linking Code

Follow this structured process to successfully obtain and use your ATO linking code. This playbook is designed for a business owner or director needing to link their ABN in RAM.

1. Set up your myGovID: Before starting, ensure you have a Standard or Strong identity strength myGovID. A Basic strength is not sufficient for business linking.
2. Open Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM): Navigate to the RAM website and log in using your myGovID.
3. Attempt to link your ABN: Select the option to link your business. Enter the business’s ABN and follow the prompts. The system will attempt to verify you automatically.
4. Receive the prompt for a linking code: When the automated check fails, the RAM portal will display a message advising you to contact the ATO by phone to obtain a linking code.
5. Call the ATO: Dial the ATO’s business enquiries line on 13 28 66. Have your TFN, ABN, and proof of identity documents (like a Notice of Assessment) ready.
6. Receive the temporary linking code: After you successfully prove your identity, the ATO officer will verbally provide you with a linking code. Write it down carefully and confirm it with them.
7. Enter the code to complete linking: Immediately return to the RAM portal, enter the code in the field provided, and submit. This will finalise the link, granting you access to act on behalf of the business.

ATO Phone Number for Linking Codes

The specific phone number you must use depends on what you are trying to link. Using the correct ATO linking code phone number is crucial to avoid long wait times and being transferred between departments.

For all business-related linking, including setting up access in Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM), you must call the ATO’s Business enquiries line:

Business Enquiries: 13 28 66

When you call, you will undergo a comprehensive identity verification process. Be prepared to provide:

• Your full name and date of birth.
• Your Tax File Number (TFN).
• The Australian Business Number (ABN) you are trying to link.
• Details from an ATO-generated document, such as a Notice of Assessment, lodged BAS, or other correspondence.

Note: ATO contact numbers and operating hours can change. It is best practice to check the current guidance on the ATO contact us page before calling.

How Long Does an ATO Linking Code Last?

An ATO linking code has a very short lifespan. This is a deliberate security feature to minimise the risk of misuse.

• The code is valid for 24 hours from the moment it is issued by the ATO officer.
• It is a one-time use code. Once entered successfully, it cannot be used again.
• If the code expires or is entered incorrectly too many times, it becomes invalid.

Due to the tight validity window, you must use the code immediately after receiving it over the phone. Do not request a code until you are ready and in front of your computer to complete the linking process.

Worked Example: Business Owner Linking RAM

Let’s walk through a practical case study.

Scenario: Sarah has just registered a new proprietary limited company, “Consulting Co Pty Ltd,” and has her new Director ID. She needs to link the company’s ABN (let’s say it’s 50 123 456 789) to her myGovID in RAM so she can manage the business’s tax obligations.

Steps she followed:

1. Preparation: Sarah set up her Strong myGovID and gathered her personal TFN, the company’s ABN, and the company’s registration details.
2. Attempted Online Link: She logged into RAM and tried to link the ABN. As a new director of a new company, the system couldn’t automatically verify her association, and she was prompted to call the ATO for a linking code.
3. The Call: Sarah called the ATO business line (13 28 66). The officer asked for her TFN, date of birth, and the company ABN. To verify her, they asked for a detail from a recent business registration document she had on hand.
4. Received and Used Code: Once verified, the officer provided a 6-digit linking code verbally. Sarah wrote it down, read it back, and immediately entered it into the waiting RAM screen on her computer.

Outcome: The code was accepted, and her myGovID was successfully linked as the principal authority for Consulting Co Pty Ltd. She could then immediately access the ATO’s online services for business and set up authorisations for her staff in RAM.

Checklist: Getting Your ATO Linking Code

Use this checklist to ensure your ATO linking code contact call is efficient and successful on the first attempt.

☐ myGovID is set up: Your myGovID has a Standard or Strong identity strength.

☐ ABN details ready: You have the correct ABN for the business you are linking.

☐ TFN verified: You know your personal Tax File Number.

☐ Proof of identity on hand: You have a recent ATO document (e.g., Notice of Assessment, lodged BAS, or payment reference number) or other identity documents ready.

☐ RAM login ready: You are logged into RAM and at the screen prompting for a linking code.

☐ Call the ATO: You have dialled the correct number (13 28 66 for business linking).

☐ Enter linking code: You are ready to enter the code immediately after receiving it.

Common Mistakes When Requesting an ATO Linking Code

Many people get tripped up by simple, avoidable errors. Here are the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

• Mistake → Calling the individual enquiries line (13 28 61) for a business linking code.
• Fix → For RAM and ABN linking, always call the Business enquiries line on 13 28 66.

• Mistake → Calling unprepared without necessary documents like your TFN or a recent Notice of Assessment.
• Fix → Gather all required identity documents before you dial. The ATO officer will terminate the call if you cannot prove your identity.

• Mistake → Asking a tax agent, colleague, or family member to call on your behalf.
• Fix → You must make the call yourself. The ATO will only speak to the individual whose identity is being verified.

• Mistake → Waiting too long to use the code.
• Fix → The code expires in 24 hours. Use it immediately after the phone call to avoid having to repeat the process.

FAQs

What is an ATO linking code?

An ATO linking code is a secure, temporary, one-time password provided verbally by the ATO over the phone. It’s used to manually verify your identity and finalise the link between your myGovID and a business or tax record.

How do I contact the ATO for a linking code?

You must call the ATO. For business and RAM linking, phone the Business enquiries line on 13 28 66. For personal tax matters, call the Individual enquiries line on 13 28 61.

Can my accountant get the linking code for me?

No. For security reasons, your accountant or tax agent cannot get the linking code on your behalf. The individual being linked must personally call the ATO and complete the identity verification process.

Do directors need linking codes?

Yes, it is very common. New company directors almost always need a linking code when they first connect their myGovID to their company’s ABN in Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM).

Why does RAM ask for a linking code?

RAM requests a linking code as a security measure when it cannot automatically verify that you are authorised to act for the business. This often happens for new businesses, new directors, or if your personal details don’t match ABR records.

What if the linking code expires?

An ATO linking code is only valid for 24 hours. If it expires, it becomes useless. You must call the ATO again to request a new code.

How long does an ATO linking code last?

The code is strictly valid for 24 hours from the time of issue. You should aim to use it immediately.

Why is my ATO linking code not working?

There are a few common reasons: the code was entered incorrectly, it has expired (past the 24-hour window), or there was a temporary system error. Double-check the code, and if it still fails, you will need to call the ATO for a new one.

When to Get Help From an Accountant

While your accountant cannot make the ATO linking code contact call for you, their expertise is invaluable for navigating complex situations and ensuring you are fully prepared.

You should seek professional advice before calling if your business involves:

• Complex structures: Trusts, self-managed super funds (SMSFs), and corporate groups have intricate authorisation requirements in RAM that an accountant can clarify.
• Multiple directors: Ensuring all directors are linked correctly and have the right permissions can be complicated.
• RAM authorisations: After linking, you need to set up authorisations for staff or other professionals. An accountant can manage this process to ensure compliance.
• Troubleshooting: If you are repeatedly failing the identity check, an accountant can access the tax agent portal to confirm the information the ATO holds and identify any discrepancies.

Conclusion

Successfully linking your business to ATO online services is a critical step for modern compliance. While the need for a linking code can seem like a hurdle, it is a straightforward process once you understand the requirements. By preparing your documents, calling the correct number, and using the code promptly, you can gain the access you need to manage your business’s tax affairs efficiently.

If you encounter persistent issues or are dealing with a complex business structure, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

Ready to streamline your business compliance? Book a consultation with Nanak Accountants & Associates today.

1300 NANAK TAX (626 258)