Do you have a new PAYG message in your myGov inbox?

  • 28 November 2024
  • by BG Private
  • 5-minute read

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) uses the myGov platform to communicate important tax information such as your Income Tax Assessments and Activity Statements, including PAYG Instalment details.

Keeping track of this tax information is essential for avoiding any potential penalties or interest charges if any tax liability is not paid in time.

What are PAYG instalments?

PAYG instalments are regular prepayments of the expected tax on your business and investment income. They are usually paid quarterly and due on:

  • 28 July
  • 28 October
  • 28 February
  • 28 April.

Therefore, it is recommended that you maintain a diary note to ensure that these instalments are paid by the due date.

Don’t these notices come in the post?

The ATO prefers paperless communication and they can enforce this preference without warning by discontinuing mailed notices and starting to send them electronically.

Often, the only notification that you will receive from the ATO when a PAYG instalment is due is that there is a new message in your myGov inbox.

How to check your PAYG instalments on myGov

  • Log in to your myGov account on your computer or via the official MyGov app using your login credentials.
  • Access the ATO services. If you haven’t already done so, you will need to link your myGov account to the ATO. You can find instructions on how to do this here.
  • Navigate to the PAYG instalments section: Within the ATO services, go to Tax > Lodgements > PAYG instalments.
  • Review your instalment details. Check if there are any instalments outstanding and if the amount of the instalment is appropriate to your current circumstances.
  • If your circumstances have changed, you may adjust the amount you pay however underestimating income may attract penalties from the ATO.
  • Make a payment using one of the payment methods provided.

Why it’s important to pay on time

Please ensure you pay your PAYG instalment by the due date. The ATO have been imposing penalties and interest on late payments, which they are now less likely to waive than they have in the past.

Scam warning

Never click on a link in an SMS or email claiming to be from the ATO – these may be a scam. Instead, type in the my.gov.au address directly into your browser or use the official myGov app on your phone. Legitimate ATO notifications will be there.

Need help?

If you encounter any issues or have questions about your PAYG instalments, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of experienced accountants is here to help you navigate the myGov system and ensure your tax affairs are in order. Call +61 3 9810 0700 or email

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