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. […]
Truck driver entitled to claim meal expenses
In a recent decision, the Administrative Review Tribunal (‘ART‘) upheld a truck driver’s claim for meal expenses, notwithstanding that those expenses had not been fully substantiated. The taxpayer was employed as a long-haul truck driver in Western Australia. He was away from home for considerable periods each year. The taxpayer sought a deduction for meal […]
Increase to rate for working from home running expenses
PCG 2023/1 outlines the ATO’s new method (‘the fixed-rate method’) for calculating additional running expenses while working from home, which has applied from 1 July 2022. Editor: This guideline was recently updated to increase the work from home fixed rate from 67 cents to 70 cents per hour from 1 July 2024. The fixed-rate method […]
Keeping not-for-profit records up to date
Taxpayers should remember that they are legally required to keep certain records for their not-for-profit (‘NFP’). All organisations including NFPs are required to keep accurate and complete records of all transactions relating to their tax and superannuation affairs. Generally, for tax purposes, taxpayers must keep their records in an accessible form (either printed or electronic) […]
How to avoid common CGT errors
The ATO wants taxpayers to know that having a foreign resident capital gains withholding (‘FRCGW’) clearance certificate does not mean they do not have any further CGT obligations. If taxpayers have sold property, they still need to include capital gains, losses or an exemption or rollover code in their tax return. Editor: If an amount […]
Minimum pension drawdown reminder
An SMSF must pay a minimum amount each year to a member who is receiving an account-based pension. This minimum amount is calculated by applying the relevant percentage factor based on the member’s age by the member’s pension account balance calculated as of 1 July 2024, or on a pro-rata basis if the pension commenced […]
How to manage business day-to-day transactions
The ATO has the following tips for small business owners “that can make your tax life easier”: They should keep an eye on upcoming expenses, and regularly update their books and reconcile their accounts. They should set aside the GST they collect (e.g., by transferring it into another bank account within the business to keep […]