An Update to How You Receive Your ATO Communications

Posted 18 November 2025

We’re pleased to let you know about an important update that will make receiving your ATO communications faster, safer, and easier.

We are now using ATO SmartDocs, a secure electronic mailing system that delivers your ATO correspondence to you in real time via a secure portal link.

What’s Changed?

If you’ve received ATO correspondence recently, you may have noticed a new look to our emails.

Previously, you received an email from mail@ruddicks.com.au with the ATO document attached as a PDF. Now, instead of attachments, you’ll receive a secure link to view your ATO correspondence (both new and prior documents) in your portal. Access requires two-factor authentication for your protection.

To ensure you can use this system, we’ll need your current email address and mobile number. If your details have changed, please contact our office to update them.

You can download documents from your portal at any time, or simply bookmark the link from your email for quick access when new documents become available.

Why ATO SmartDocs?

  • Secure delivery – Keeps your ATO notices, tax letters, and official communications safe from scams and breaches.
  • No passwords – Once you receive an email from us and click your unique link, logging in is as simple as entering the code that is texted to your mobile device – no extra login details to remember!
  • Reliable – The ATO uses several delivery methods, including MyGov, which can cause clients to miss important deadlines. Our system reduces that risk.
  • Instant alerts – You’ll receive a notification whenever new ATO documents are available.
  • Easy access – Log in anytime to view or download your documents. The platform is designed to be simple and user-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reply to the email I receive via this system?

Yes. Emails from mail@ruddicks.com.au go directly to our administration team, who monitor the inbox daily.

I still receive paper ATO correspondence – how do I switch to digital?

This usually means we don’t have your current email and mobile number, or you’ve previously requested paper delivery. Simply contact our office on 03 6331 3288 or at mail@ruddicks.com.au, and we’ll update your details.

Can I keep receiving paper correspondence?

Yes. If digital delivery doesn’t suit you, we can continue posting ATO mail. However, we encourage you to try SmartDocs for the added security and convenience.

I know I’m waiting for ATO correspondence, but I haven’t received an email – what should I do?

Emails are sent from mail@ruddicks.com.au with the subject line “New ATO Correspondence is Available to View.” Please check your junk folder, and if it’s not there, contact us to confirm your details.

What if I need ATO correspondence for my entity sent to more than one person?

No problem! For entities such as trusts, companies, partnerships, or SMSFs, we can send correspondence to multiple recipients. We’ll just need a valid email address and mobile number for each person.

There are so many passwords and login details to remember now days, will I need to remember a password to access my ATO documents?

No, there are no passwords to remember, you access your ATO documents by entering the code texted to your mobile phone.

When I print out my ATO correspondence from the secure portal, the payment reference number (PRN) is blocked out - how am I meant to pay?

Due to security reasons, the TFN on ATO correspondence is blanked out when printed. The PRN provided on ATO correspondence contains your tax file number so this gets blanked out too. To get around this, you can view the document on the secure portal to get the PRN - the details aren't blanked out on there, it is only when printed that they get redacted. Alternatively, let us know and we can provide you the PRN over the phone or another alternative method. 

 

With ATO SmartDocs, your important tax information is delivered quickly, securely, and with less risk of being missed. If you’d like to update your details or have any questions, please get in touch with our team.

DISCLAIMER:

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

The content of this newsletter is general in nature. It does not constitute specific advice and readers are encouraged to consult their Ruddicks adviser on any matters of interest. Ruddicks accepts no liability for errors or omissions, or for any loss or damage suffered as a result of any person acting without such advice. This information is current as at 18 November 2025, and was published around that time.  Ruddicks particularly accepts no obligation or responsibility for updating this publication for events, including changes to the law, the Australian Taxation Office’s interpretation of the law, or Government announcements arising after that time. 

Any advice provided is not ‘financial product advice’ as defined by the Corporations Act.  Ruddicks is not licensed to provide financial product advice and taxation is only one of the matters that you need to consider when making a decision on a financial product. You should consider seeking advice from an Australian Financial Services licensee before making any decisions in relation to a financial product.  © Ruddicks 2025