If you use cloud-based or SBR-enabled software for payroll, BAS or other business reporting, one important task you may need to complete is notifying the ATO of your software’s unique Software ID (sometimes called an SSID).
We know, it sounds a little techy but don’t worry: we’re here to walk you through it. As your registered tax agent, we want all the paperwork, registrations and linking to the ATO to be as smooth as possible for you.
Why You Need to Notify Your Software ID
When you use software to lodge reports — for example STP, BAS etc — via the Standard Business Reporting (SBR) channel, the ATO needs to know which software subscription (Software ID) is connected to which business.
If it’s not properly notified, you risk delays or errors in lodgements, especially as the ATO increasingly requires this linking.
Simply put: it’s about making sure your software can talk to the ATO on your behalf, and the ATO knows it is authorised to do so under your ABN.
Who Needs to Do This?
If you fall into one of the following categories, this guide is for you:
- Your business uses software that lodges STP (Single Touch Payroll) and you’re using a cloud-based provider like Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks.
- Your business uses SBR-enabled software that needs to report to the ATO.
- You want to make sure everything is correctly set up so that your tax, payroll and reporting obligations run smoothly.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you log into Access Manager, make sure you have:
- Your myID set up and linked to your business ABN via Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) — this is the identity you’ll use to access Access Manager.
- The ABN of your software provider (or know which provider you are using).
- The Software ID (SSID) from your software subscription. Many software providers show this in their settings.
- The ability to log in to the ATO’s Access Manager site.
Where to Find Your Software ID (Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks)
Before you can notify the ATO, you’ll need to locate your Software ID inside your accounting or payroll software. Here’s where to find it:
Xero
Your Software ID appears in two main places depending on what you’re setting up:
For Single Touch Payroll (STP): Go to Payroll → Single Touch Payroll → STP Settings. Here you’ll see your STP Software ID to use in Access Manager.
For BAS / Activity Statement Lodgements: Go to Reporting → Activity Statement → Settings and look for the Software ID (SSID) shown as part of the SBR lodgement setup. Xero will take you through the steps to link to the ATO.
MYOB
In MYOB AccountRight or MYOB Business, go to Payroll → Payroll Reporting → ATO Settings. Your Software ID appears in the STP setup screen. (Some versions also show it under Business Settings → STP Setup.)
QuickBooks Online (Australia)
QuickBooks Online uses QuickBooks Exactor. You may find your Software ID in one of these places:
STP Payroll Setup: Employees → Payroll Settings → ATO Settings → Software ID
Activity Statements Setup: GST → Activity Statement Setup → ATO Electronic Lodgement Settings → Software ID
If you can’t locate your Software ID in any of these menus, reach out to us and we’ll guide you to the right spot based on your software version.
How to Notify the ATO of Your Software ID Using Access Manager
Here’s our friendly walkthrough:
- Log in to Access Manager — Go to the Access Manager website. Use your myID to log in (make sure it is linked to your business ABN via RAM).
- Navigate to “My hosted software services” — Once logged in, find the menu option labelled My hosted software services.
- Select “Notify the ATO of your hosted service” — Choose the option that allows you to notify the ATO that you’re using a hosted software service.
- Search for your software provider / ABN — Enter the ABN of your software provider (or select them from the list) and click the link to proceed.
- For Xero: select Xero Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 89 124 215 247
- For QuickBooks Online: select Employment Hero Payroll – ABN: 61 612 826 605
- For MYOB: select MYOB Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 13 086 760 198
- Enter your Software ID (SSID) — Input the Software ID that your software provider gave you. Read and agree to the Notification statement.
- Click Save — A success message will appear on the next screen to confirm that it’s been successfully registered.
After It’s Done — What to Do Next
Keep a record of when you submitted the notification (date, software provider, Software ID).
If you change software provider or subscription, you’ll need to repeat this process (or update the notification) so that the correct Software ID is registered.
Let us know when you’ve completed the notification so we can verify your setup and support you fully. If you run into issues — for example, you can’t find your Software ID or you’re having trouble submitting the notification — reach out to us. We can guide you through the steps and help make sure everything is linked correctly so your lodgements run smoothly.
How We Can Help
As your registered tax agent, we take a holistic view of your compliance setup. That means beyond just lodging your BAS or tax return, we’re here to help ensure:
- Your software lodgements to the ATO are clean, authorised and uninterrupted.
- You’re not caught out by missing subscriptions, software-provider changes or missing notifications.
- You have one point of contact who understands your business systems and tax flows.
Learn more about our ATO-related services and business accounting services. If you’d like us to walk you through this process (or even check it for you), just reach out. We’re happy to help guide you or liaise with your software provider.
Need Help?
If you encounter any issues during the process, the ATO has detailed resources and support to assist you: ATO Access Manager for business software users.
Or, feel free to reach out to us directly. We’re always happy to walk you through the steps, check your setup, and make sure everything is linked correctly so your reporting runs smoothly.
Getting your Software ID linked is a simple but important part of staying compliant — and when everything is set up properly, your BAS, STP and tax lodgements flow without interruption. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
