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. […]
ART rejects taxpayer’s claim for CGT small business relief
In a recent decision, the Administrative Review Tribunal (‘ART’) held that a taxpayer was not entitled to the CGT small business concessions on the disposal of his interests in some farm land. The taxpayer ran a beef cattle business (in partnership with his wife) on properties adjacent to the dairy farm that his parents owned. […]
General transfer balance cap will be indexed on 1 July 2025
Indexation of the general transfer balance cap (‘TBC’) will occur on 1 July 2025. This cap will increase by $100,000 from $1.9 million to $2 million. Editor: The general TBC amount is used for a number of purposes, including to determine the total capital amount that can be transferred to the retirement (pension) phase, and […]
Taxable payments annual report lodgment reminder
Businesses that pay contractors for ‘Taxable payments reporting system services’ may need to lodge a ‘Taxable payments annual report‘ (‘TPAR’) by 28 August each year. Editor: This includes businesses paying contractors in the building and construction, cleaning and IT industries. From 22 March, the ATO will apply penalties to businesses that have not lodged their […]
FBT record keeping and plug-in hybrid exemption changes
With the 2025 fringe benefits tax (‘FBT’) year having just ended (on 31 March), the ATO is reminding employers of some changes that might impact their FBT obligations. Alternative record keeping changes For the 2025 and succeeding FBT years, employers can use existing records instead of travel diaries and declarations for some fringe benefits. If […]
Reminder of March 2025 Quarter Superannuation Guarantee (‘SG’)
Employers are reminded that employee super contributions for the quarter ending 31 March 2025 must be received by the relevant super funds by Monday, 28 April 2025. If the correct amount of SG is not paid by an employer on time, they will be liable to pay the SG charge, which includes a penalty and […]
ATO’s new focus for small business
The ATO is currently focusing on the following ‘specific risk areas’, where it is concerned “small businesses are getting it wrong”: Contractors omitting income — with a focus on data matching to ensure all income is reported. Quarterly to monthly BAS reporting for GST purposes — The ATO will move around 3,500 small businesses with […]