CHANGES TO MyGovID

Earlier this month, the Australian Government announced an important change regarding MyGovID: it is being rebranded as "myID." This update is designed to make government digital services more user-friendly and to reduce confusion between the identity verification tool, MyGovID, and the service access platform, myGov. At Hills Accountants in Hobart we like to keep you up to date with things like this, so here's what you need to know about these changes and how they may affect you.

What is MyGovID?

MyGovID, soon to be renamed myID, is the Australian Government’s digital identity verification service, allowing individuals and businesses to prove who they are online when accessing government services. It’s similar to a traditional 100-point ID check but can be done quickly and conveniently through a mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. By verifying your identity documents—like a driver’s licence, passport, or Medicare card—MyGovID enables you to access services such as Centrelink, Medicare, and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) securely and easily.

Why is the Name Changing?

The rebranding from MyGovID to myID is aimed at reducing confusion between two services: the digital identity verification tool and the myGov service access portal. myGov is the platform that allows you to access a variety of government services in one place, while MyGovID (myID) is the digital identity that provides secure access to those services. The government believes that by changing the name, Australians will have an easier time distinguishing between these two important yet different services.

With digital services growing and Australians increasingly interacting with government platforms online, the need for clarity in how we use these tools has become crucial. The new name, "myID," is more intuitive and better reflects its purpose as a digital identification tool.

How Will This Affect You?

The good news for users is that you do not need to take any significant action. The app will be updated automatically to reflect the new name, and all the existing functions will remain the same. This means you can continue using the app to access your government services, from checking your tax information with the ATO to managing your Medicare records, without any interruptions or additional setup.

If you already have MyGovID, your identity strength and verification will remain unchanged when it becomes myID. The Australian Government wants to make this transition as smooth as possible for everyone, with the only major change being the app’s new name and a slight update to its branding.

Who Will Be Affected?

Currently, over 6 million Australians use MyGovID to access various online services, including 1.3 million businesses that use it to manage their tax and other government obligations. These changes will affect all current users, meaning more than 6 million people will be transitioning to myID automatically. Additionally, new users who sign up after the rebranding will be registering directly for myID.

If you’re a business owner, you may also use MyGovID for accessing government services like the Australian Business Register or managing permissions for staff through the Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM). The change to myID won’t affect how you access these services; it’s simply a name change to help make the overall experience more understandable.

Why Should You Care?

This update is part of the Australian Government's broader commitment to improving digital services, ensuring they are easy to use, safe, and secure for all Australians. With digital identity systems becoming an essential part of how we interact with both government and business services, this change reflects the need for better clarity and a more streamlined user experience.

As more government services move online, having a trusted, secure digital identity becomes more crucial. The change to myID is a positive step toward ensuring that all Australians can access services easily and with confidence. Whether it’s lodging your tax return, applying for support, or managing your health records, myID will continue to be the key to verifying who you are online.

Need More Information?

If you have questions about myID or how these changes may impact you, please get in touch with us at Hills Accountants in Hobart. We're here to help all Tasmanians navigate changes in government processes, and we can provide tailored advice to ensure you’re prepared and informed.

These changes are all about simplifying and enhancing your digital experience when interacting with government services. If you’re unsure how myID will fit into your business or personal life, don’t hesitate to reach out—Hills Accounting Hobart is here to help.

For more information, email us today at admin@hillsaccounting.com.au or call us on 03 62737800

This article is general in nature and doesn’t take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. For advice tailored to your circumstances, have a chat with us at Hills Accounting Hobart.