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. […]
Quarterly TBAR lodgment reminder
SMSFs must report certain events that affect a member’s transfer balance account (‘TBA’) quarterly using transfer balance account reporting (‘TBAR’). These events must be reported even if the member’s total superannuation balance is less than $1 million. Editor: TBA events include starting or commuting a retirement phase pension. TBARs for the March quarter are due […]