How a 30-second check in the ATO app can protect your money, your super and your identity this tax time
Every year as tax time rolls around, scam calls pretending to be from the ATO spike sharply — and they're getting harder to detect. In July 2025 alone, the ATO received nearly 7,500 impersonation scam reports. The calls are more convincing, the tactics more aggressive, and the consequences more serious.
The good news is the ATO has just delivered one of its most practical security upgrades in years.
Introducing the 'Verify Call' feature
Rolled out in early April 2026, the new verify call feature in the free ATO app lets you confirm — instantly and in real time — whether the person on the other end of the phone is genuinely from the ATO. No guesswork, no pressure, no risk.
Here's how it works:
- Open the ATO app and log in.
- Tap 'Verify Call' on the main screen.
- Within moments, you'll receive a clear notification confirming whether the call is legitimate.
If no confirmation comes through — hang up. It's almost certainly a scam.
Why this matters more than you might think
Scam calls don't just waste your time. A successful one can redirect your tax refund, compromise your superannuation, or expose personal information that can take months — and sometimes thousands of dollars — to resolve.
These calls work because they manufacture urgency. "Pay now." "Your tax file number has been compromised." "Confirm your identity immediately." The verify call tool eliminates that pressure entirely. You can check the caller before you hand over a single piece of information.
What to do right now
Getting set up takes just a few minutes:
✅ Download or update the ATO app (available on Apple and Android)
✅ Register your device within the app
✅ Check your myID settings in myGov — upgrade to 'Strong' identity strength if you haven't already
✅ Do a practice run with the verify call feature before tax time hits
That last step matters. Knowing how to use the tool before you're under pressure means you'll respond calmly if a suspicious call comes in.
A note on myID
For maximum protection, make sure your myID is set to the highest identity strength level — 'Strong'. This makes it significantly harder for anyone to access your tax or super information online, even if they have some of your personal details.
Still not sure if a call is legitimate?
Contact us before engaging with anyone claiming to be from the ATO. We can quickly verify through official channels whether the contact is real. When in doubt, don't share anything — just call us first.
This tax season, a 30-second check could save you a very expensive headache. Get the app updated today.
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Please also note that many of the comments in this publication are general in nature and anyone intending to apply the information to practical circumstances should seek professional advice to independently verify their interpretation and the information’s applicability to their particular circumstances. Should you have any further questions, please get in touch with us for assistance with your SMSF, business, bookkeeping and tax requirements. All rights reserved. Brought to you by RGA Business and Tax Accountants. Liability Limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
