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Using digital certificates for business online services

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Using ATO digital certificates for Centrelink business online services

Centrelink recognises the need to make it easy for business to interact online while protecting security and privacy. Digital certificates provide strong authentication making our business online services even more secure. Using the digital certificate eliminates the need to use a password for Centrelink business online services.

Many businesses dealing with Centrelink already have an Australian Taxation Office (ATO) digital certificate. Businesses who do not have a certificate can register for one at the ATO website. ATO digital certificates are free.

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About ATO digital certificates

There are two types of ATO digital certificates - primary and secondary. In most cases the person who holds a primary certificate would not transact online with Centrelink. Persons who transact online with Centrelink would hold a secondary certificate. However it may be the case the person who transacts online with Centrelink is authorised to hold a primary certificate within a business. The person who holds a primary certificate can apply for secondary certificates for anyone in their business.

Please Note: When you use your certificate for Centrelink business online services you cannot gain access to ATO online services via the Centrelink website.

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How do I use my ATO digital certificate to access Centrelink business online services?

To use your ATO digital certificate for Centrelink business online services you must have a valid Centrelink User ID and Password and an ATO digital certificate. Firstly you need to enrol your certificate with Centrelink. The enrolment is a once off event and is necessary to electronically capture details of your certificate to record against your Centrelink User ID. Once enrolled you can logon to Centrelink business online services with your certificate.

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Help me enrol my ATO digital certificate with Centrelink

To use your ATO digital certificate to access Centrelink business online services:

  • enter your User ID and password to be validated by Centrelink
  • once validated you will be directed to the Government Authentication Service
  • at the Government Authentication Service you will be required to digitally sign your certificate
  • the service will validate your certificate and return you to Centrelink
  • details of your certificate will be recorded against your Centrelink user ID
  • enrol your certificate details with us.

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