How to Change Your Name with the ATO

You should update the Australian Taxation Office when you change your name after marriage, return to a former name or complete a legal name change.

You can change your name with the ATO:

• online through myGov
• by phone
• by submitting a change-of-details form.

The online process through myGov is usually the quickest option.

Change your name with the ATO through myGov

Your ATO online account must be linked to myGov.

To update your name:

1. Sign in to myGov.
2. Open the linked Australian Taxation Office service.
3. Select My profile.
4. Select Personal details.
5. Choose the option to update your name and title.
6. Enter the requested information from your name-change document.

You may be asked for details including:

• the name shown on the certificate
• the certificate or registration number
• the date of the marriage, birth or legal name change
• the Australian state or territory that issued the certificate.

If you are returning to a name previously recorded by the ATO, you may be able to select that name without entering new certificate details.

What documents does the ATO accept?

The ATO accepts certificates issued by any Australian state or territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM).

The document you need depends on why your name changed.

Marriage

Use your official Australian marriage certificate issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages.

The ceremonial marriage certificate signed on your wedding day is not accepted as proof of your new name.

Returning to a former name

You can return to a name the ATO has previously recorded without completing a legal name change.

You may need your:

• official Australian marriage certificate; and
• Australian birth certificate or divorce order.

If the former name already appears in your ATO profile, simply select it online without providing further proof.

Legal name change

Use either:

• an Australian birth certificate showing your new legal name; or
• an Australian legal change-of-name certificate.

Change your name with the ATO by phone

Call the ATO individuals enquiries line on 13 28 61.

Before calling, have your tax file number and identity information available. You will need to answer questions so the ATO can confirm your identity.

You should also have details from one of the following documents:

• an Australian full birth certificate
• an Australian marriage certificate issued by BDM
• an Australian legal change-of-name certificate.

In most cases, the ATO officer will confirm your name has been changed while you are on the phone.

Change your name with the ATO by form

Complete the ATO’s Change of details for individuals form.

You will need to provide your:

• tax file number (optional)
• former and new names
• contact details
• reason for changing your name
• supporting identity and name-change documents.

Follow the instructions on the current form regarding certified copies and where to send it.

The form can be downloaded from the ATO website and is also available in all Easy Name Change kits.

Does changing your name with the ATO update myGov?

Updating your ATO record does not automatically update Centrelink, Medicare or other services linked to myGov.

myGov provides access to linked government services, but each service maintains its own customer record.

Update each service separately:

• ATO
• Centrelink
• Medicare
• any other linked government service.

Keeping your records in the same name can reduce identity-matching and account-linking problems.

Does the ATO update your superannuation funds?

No. Changing your name with the ATO does not directly change the name recorded by your superannuation fund.

You must notify each super fund separately.

Keeping your ATO and superannuation records in the same name can help when:

• consolidating super accounts
• verifying your tax file number
• finding lost super
• processing contributions
• making a withdrawal or insurance claim.

Finish your name change in one place

Updating the ATO is just one step. Newlyweds have an average of 27 organisations to notify, each with different forms, proof requirements and contact methods.

Easy Name Change gives you a personalised checklist plus the forms, letters, emails and instructions you need for every organisation you select.

Skip the research and get your name change paperwork ready to send.

Get your personalised Easy Name Change kit.