Latest News
ATO launches new app feature to stop scam calls
Taxpayers can now instantly confirm whether a call claiming to be from the ATO is genuine, with the launch of a new in-app security feature designed to shut down scammers. The new verify call feature allows users to confirm, in real time, that they are speaking with the real ATO, not a fraudster. Taxpayers are […]
Tribunal rejects claims for self-education expenditure
The Administrative Review Tribunal recently rejected an employee’s claims for self-education expenses, as they did not have a sufficient nexus with his current job and income-earning activities. The taxpayer worked as an employee for a large company. He claimed that his role evolved to include marketing and sales responsibilities during the 2022 income year, and […]
Tribunal decision regarding home office and car expenses overturned
The Full Federal Court recently allowed the ATO’s appeal against an Administrative Review Tribunal decision that a taxpayer was entitled to claim deductions for home office and car expenses. The taxpayer worked full-time for the ABC as a sports presenter and producer. During the 2021 income year, because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the taxpayer undertook […]
ATO wants businesses to review their GST turnover
The ATO has noticed some businesses have not updated their GST reporting and accounting methods after exceeding the relevant thresholds. If a taxpayer’s business has a GST turnover of $10 million or more, they need to use full BAS reporting instead of ‘simpler BAS’, and account for GST on a non-cash (accruals) basis. If their […]
ATO responds to high fuel costs
The ATO recognises that high fuel costs are affecting some businesses, and it will provide targeted support to eligible businesses that are unable to meet their payment obligations for three months, from 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2026. In particular: u the ATO will provide streamlined access to more flexible payment plan arrangements, including […]
ATO is ‘clearing up’ some common Payday Super myths
With less than two months until Payday Super starts (on 1 July 2026), the ATO wishes to ‘clear up’ the following common misconceptions. Myth: “There is nothing super fund trustees need to do before the start date.” Fact: Super funds should have already taken steps to receive more frequent contributions and meet shorter processing timeframes. […]
Work-related expense claims rejected by Administrative Review Tribunal (‘ART’)
The Administrative Review Tribunal (‘ART’) recently disallowed a taxpayer’s claims for many different types of work-related expenses. The taxpayer was employed full-time as an engineer, working from home two days a week. For the 2023 income year, he claimed deductions totalling over $61,000, in relation to (among other things) car expenses, travel expenses, clothing expenses, […]
Check GST credit claims before lodging BASs
Taxpayers who are registered for GST can get GST credit claims (or ‘input tax credits’) for the GST included in the price of goods and services they buy for their business. However, if they buy something for both business and private use, they need to apportion their GST credit to only claim the business use. […]
Government payments programs
The ATO is reminding taxpayers that receive government payments for delivering services under a Commonwealth program, such as healthcare, disability support or child care, that they have an obligation to: keep accurate records; and report any such income they receive in their tax return. The ATO recently advised that it would be contacting taxpayers and […]
Contractors omitting income
Through data matching, the ATO is seeing some contractors incorrectly reporting or contractors omitting income. Contractors need to report all their income in their tax return, including payments made by businesses for their contracting work. Note that, as part of the taxable payments reporting system (‘TPRS’), certain businesses must lodge a ‘Taxable payments annual report’ […]
Businesses using cash to dodge obligations
The ATO is ‘cracking down’ on businesses that use cash to dodge obligations on their tax, employer and business. Businesses that do this may: – fail to report all sales transactions and fail to issue receipts; – avoid paying GST, income tax, PAYG withholding, super guarantee, insurance and work cover protection; – report their income […]
$20,000 instant asset write-off extended
Editor: The Government recently passed legislation to extend the $20,000 instant asset write-off for small businesses by 12 months to 30 June 2026. Taxpayers should note that if their business has an aggregated annual turnover of less than $10 million, they may be able touse the instant asset write-off (‘IAWO’) to immediately deduct the business […]