Why the ATO App Is Now a Must-Have
Managing your tax affairs has become increasingly digital, and with that comes both convenience and new risks. The ATO app is no longer just a useful tool, it is quickly becoming essential for staying informed and protecting yourself from scams.
Receive ATO Notices Directly Through the App
The ATO now delivers many notices and communications through its online services rather than traditional mail.
While we continue to monitor and notify you where required, there can still be timing gaps. Having the ATO app helps ensure you are aware of new notices as soon as they are issued.
With the app, you can:
- View your ATO notices and communications in one place
- Receive notifications when new updates are available
- Stay on top of important due dates and required actions
This gives you better visibility and reduces the risk of missing something important.
New “Verify Call” Feature to Help Stop Scams
The ATO has introduced a new Verify Call feature within the app as part of its ongoing fraud prevention measures.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the ATO, you can:
- Open the ATO app
- Sign in securely
- Select “Verify call”
Within around 30 seconds, the app will confirm whether the call is from the ATO.
If no confirmation appears, you should treat the call as suspicious and end the call.
This feature provides a simple and reliable way to confirm you are dealing with the ATO before taking any action.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Scam activity continues to increase, particularly during tax time when individuals may be expecting contact from the ATO.
The app helps reduce this risk by:
- Allowing you to verify calls in real time
- Providing alerts when key changes are made to your account
- Offering secure access to your tax and super information
It works alongside existing ATO security measures and provides an additional layer of protection.
A Quick Reminder on Staying Safe
If you receive a suspicious call, message, or email claiming to be from the ATO:
- Do not click on links or download attachments
- Do not provide personal or financial information
- Use the ATO app to verify the contact
- If unsure, contact the ATO directly
Taking a moment to check can help prevent a much bigger issue. If you are unsure how to identify scam emails or messages, you can also read our guide on How to Recognise and Avoid Phishing Emails & SMS for practical tips.
Other Useful Features in the ATO App
Beyond receiving notices and verifying calls, the ATO app also includes a range of practical tools that many clients may find useful, including:
- Viewing your income tax details, including lodgments and notices of assessment
- Checking your superannuation information, including fund details and balances
- Receiving alerts when key changes are made to your account
- Updating personal details such as contact information and bank account details
These features can help you stay on top of your tax affairs without needing to log in through a desktop each time.
For a full list of features and how to get started, you can visit the Australian Taxation Office website: Manage your tax and super with the ATO app.
The ATO app is no longer just a convenience, it is a practical way to stay informed and protect your information. We strongly encourage all clients to download and set it up. If you need assistance getting started or linking your account using myID, feel free to reach out to the team at MKG. A simple setup now can help you stay in control and avoid issues later.
