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. […]
ATO to include tax ‘debts on hold’ in taxpayer account balances
From August 2025, the ATO is progressively including ‘debts on hold’ in relevant taxpayer ATO account balances. Editor: A ‘debt on hold’ is an outstanding tax debt where the ATO has previously paused debt collection actions. Tax debts will generally be placed on hold where the ATO decides it is not cost effective to collect […]
Taxpayer’s claim for travel expenses denied
In a recent decision, the Administrative Review Tribunal (‘ART’) denied an offshore worker’s claim for work-related travel expenses, although it did allow his claim for home office expenses. During the relevant period, the taxpayer resided in Queensland with his family, while his employment as an engineer was primarily based at an offshore facility located off […]
Changes to tax return amendment period for business
Businesses with an annual aggregated turnover of less than $50 million now have up to four years from the date of their tax return assessment to request amendments (increased from two years). This applies to assessments for the 2024/25 and later income years. If businesses make a mistake on a tax return amendment, they should […]
Taxpayers who need to lodge a TPAR
Taxpayers may need to lodge a Taxable payments annual report (‘TPAR’) online by 28 August if they have paid contractors to provide any of the following services on their behalf: building and construction; cleaning; courier and road freight; information technology; or security, investigation or surveillance. If the ATO is expecting a TPAR from a taxpayer […]
ATO warns of common Division 7A errors
The ATO reminds shareholders of private companies that understanding how Division 7A of the tax legislation applies is crucial to avoiding costly tax consequences when accessing the company’s money or other benefits. When Division 7A applies, the recipient of a payment, loan or other benefit can be deemed to have been paid an unfranked dividend […]
ASIC warning about pushy sales tactics urging quick super switches
ASIC is warning Australians to be on ‘red alert’ for high-pressure sales tactics, click bait advertising and promises of unrealistic returns which encourage people to switch superannuation into risky investments. The warning comes amid increasing concerns from ASIC that people are being enticed to invest their retirement savings in complex and risky schemes. ASIC Deputy […]