IPA calls for ATO to expand call verification feature to tax agents

When taxpayers receive a call from someone claiming to be from the ATO, they can open the ATO app, log in, and select the verify call option. Within 30 seconds, a notification should confirm that it is an ATO call. If the notification doesn't appear, users are advised to hang up.

IPA senior tax advisor Tony Greco said while the IPA was pleased to see the new feature ahead of the expected increase in scam calls during tax time, the professional body would like to see this security feature extended to the tax practitioner community.

“Tax agents have long called for such a feature in the best interests of their clients, businesses, and employees. Greater taxpayer protection is welcomed by practitioners, who are often the ones stepping in to assist clients after they have been targeted," Greco said.

“However, tax practitioners are currently left waiting. The IPA continues to urge the ATO to implement a similar call verification feature for registered tax and BAS agents as soon as practicable to ensure the entire profession is similarly protected.”

Greco said the new security feature was critical for taxpayers as identity theft and impersonation scams become increasingly common.

“Impersonation scams typically peak during tax time, and the scale of the problem is significant. In July 2025 alone, the ATO saw 7,500 reported impersonation scams,” Greco said.

“We are seeing an increase in stolen personal information being traded online due to large-scale database breaches. Identity fraud is becoming increasingly common, and this tool provides a powerful, real-time layer of protection for individuals to safeguard their information.”

The IPA recommended that all taxpayers, whether they use a tax agent or self-prepare, take three preventative steps to secure their identity:

1. Set up myGovID at the highest security level possible.

2. Link your myGov account to the ATO using your myGovID.

3. Download the ATO app for real-time monitoring and to utilise the new ‘verify caller’ tool.

“Taking these preventative steps is the best way to avoid the lengthy and complex process of reinstating compromised accounts in the event of identity fraud,” Greco said.