AUSkey finishes this month – here’s what you need to know

There’s a new way to access online government services.

The way you access government services for both business and personal matters is changing this month. myGovID and Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) will replace AUSkey at the end of March 2020. We’ve detailed what you need to do and when, but please get in touch if you have any questions.

What is AUSkey?

AUSkey is a secure login that identifies you when you use certain online government services, allowing you to access and send information to the government online. For example, updating your Australian Business Number (ABN) details or lodging your business activity statement (BAS).

To continue to access the ATO’s Business Portal and other online government services you will now need to use myGovID and RAM.

What is myGovID?

myGovID is a secure proof-of-identity app. You only have to set it up once and then you can use it to prove who you are when accessing government online services. To put it simply, it’s just like a 100 point ID check, but on your phone. You use your myGovID for both personal and business matters.

myGovID is an app that you will need to access from a smart device.

NOTE: myGovID is different from your myGov portal.

What is RAM?

Relationship Authorisation Manager or RAM is an authorisation service that allows you to link your myGovID to an Australian business number (ABN). This means you can manage who can act on behalf of your business online. You need to sign in to RAM using a digital identity like myGovID.

myGovID and RAM work together to offer a secure replacement to AUSkey.

What you need to do

If you or your staff use AUSkey to access the ATO’s online services on behalf of your business, you’ll need to do the following before 27 March 2020:

  1. Check your ABN details are up-to-date in the Australian Business Register (ABR). This ensures the right people can act on behalf of your business.
  2. Set up your myGovID – download the myGovID app from the App Store or Google Play and use your Australian identity documents to enrol.
  3. Log in to RAM using your myGovID and link your business.
    Make sure you have completed step 1 and check your details on the Australian Business Register so RAM can use the correct information.
  4. (Optional) You may want to authorise your employees and others in RAM to act on behalf of your business online. They will receive an email to accept the authorisation request using their myGovID.

When will this happen?

You should set up your myGovID before 27th March 2020.

It will come into effect from 1 April 2020.

AUSkey will continue to be supported during the transition phase, but we highly recommend you act on this in March 2020.

Who does it affect?

You can use myGovID to manage both personal and business matters.

RAM is the place to manage your business authorisations.

Got a question?

You can find more information on the ATO’s website, but if you have any questions at all, please get in touch with us. We recommend you act on this before 27 March 2020.

We stay on top of updates like this and help you navigate any changes with ease.