ATO News


Reporting additional members on your SAR Self-managed super funds can now report up to 6 members on their SAR. 18 May 2022
Notifying the ATO of any SMSF changes Make sure to keep the ATO informed when making any changes to your SMSF. 18 May 2022
Delays in processing super ENCC The ATO is contacting super funds to release excess contributions and associated earnings for clients who did not nominate the tax treatment of their excess non-concessional contributions (ENCC) for 2020 and prior years. Your client may receive an amended Notice of Assessment that includes the associated earnings on the excess contributions. 17 May 2022
TPAR non-lodgment advice From 1 July 2022, if your clients are not required to complete a Taxable payments annual report (TPAR), let the ATO know by submitting a Non-lodgment advice (NLA) in Online services for agents. The TPAR NLA web form will be unavailable after 30 June 2022. 17 May 2022
Resuming offsetting of debts on hold The ATO will recommence offsetting your clients’ credits to pay off their debts on hold from June 2022. 17 May 2022
Base rate entities and the lower company tax rate Corporate tax entities have been found incorrectly determining their status as a base rate entity and accessing the lower company tax rate. Help your clients correctly determine their status as a base rate entity and claim the correct tax rate. 16 May 2022 Accountants Desktop Comment Use our “Company Tax Rate” calculator to help determine the correct company tax rate.
Four priorities for the ATO this tax time The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced four key focus areas for Tax Time 2022. 16 May 2022
Debts on hold Non-pursued debt is a debt the ATO have placed on hold. It’s not visible on your account balance but remains payable, any credits will be offset against it. . 14 Apr 2022
Deferral requests during peak lodgment periods It can take 28 days to process deferral requests during peak lodgment times. Some of your clients may have until 5 June to lodge and pay without requesting a deferral. 14 Apr 2022
Keeping businesses safe with eInvoicing eInvoicing can help prevent invoice fraud and reduce compliance impacts caused by invoicing errors. 12 Apr 2022
Reduced minimum super drawdown rates extended New legislation has been registered to extend the temporary 50% reduction of superannuation minimum drawdown rates until the 2022–23 income year. 11 Apr 2022
Lodgment reminder for Child Care Subsidy and Family Tax Benefit recipients Child Care Subsidy and Family Tax Benefit recipients and their partners must lodge their outstanding 2021 tax returns by 30 June 2022 to avoid losing their benefits. 1 Apr 2022
Director penalty notices Warning letters are being issued to company directors about personal liability for unpaid company tax debts. 28 Mar 2022
Disclosure of business tax debts Effectively engage with the ATO about your clients’ business tax debt to avoid disclosure to credit reporting bureaus. 28 Mar 2022
Changes to the work test requirements for superannuation contributions From 1 July 2022, members under 75 years of age will no longer have to meet the work test to make superannuation contributions. 25 Mar 2022
The ATO is paying interest on early payments automatically from March 2022 The automation of interest on early payments (IEP) means that you will no longer need to contact the ATO to request payment of your clients’ future IEP entitlements. 21 Mar 2022
Get ready for fringe benefits tax time 2022 Request an FBT client list to determine which of your clients need to lodge an FBT return or non-lodgment advice. 18 Mar 2022
Eligibility age change for downsizer contributions From 1 July 2022, the eligibility age for downsizer contributions will reduce from 65 to 60 years old. 3 Mar 2022
First Home Super Saver Scheme – increasing the maximum releasable amount to $50,000 and technical amendments The Australian Government announced in the 2021-22 Federal Budget it will improve the First Home Super Saver scheme and increase the maximum releasable amount up to $50,000. 24 Feb 2022
Super to cover more employees From 1 July 2022, your employer clients will be required to make super guarantee contributions to their eligible employee’s super fund. The $450 per month threshold has been removed to expand the coverage of super guarantee to eligible employees regardless of their monthly pay. 23 Feb 2022
Unit trust arrangements The ATO has concerns about arrangements involving units trusts and unpaid present entitlements that may have implications under Division 7A. 23 Feb 2022
New guidelines aim to combat cybercrime The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) have developed new guidelines on client identity verification which will help improve security to stop criminals from committing tax fraud. 8 Feb 2022
Deductibility of COVID-19 tests The Government has announced plans to introduce legislation to make COVID-19 tests (including Rapid Antigen Tests) tax deductible for testing taken to attend a place of work and ensure that fringe benefits tax will not be incurred by employers where they provide these tests to their employees for this purpose. 7 Feb 2022
Strengthening client verification guidelines Refer to our guidelines for minimum requirements on performing client verification to be voluntarily adopted by registered tax practitioners. 31 Jan 2022
Director ID: a requirement for company directors Director identification number (director ID) is a requirement for all directors. The application is available at Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS). 11 Jan 2022
Changes to ABN details You can now update your ABN to include an additional four business activities. 4 Jan 2022
Guidance for allocation of professional firm profit and income Practical Compliance Guideline PCG 2021/4 on the ATO compliance approach to the allocation of profits or income from professional firms. 16 Dec 2021
Stapled super funds for employers As of 1 November 2021, most employers will need to request stapled super fund details from the ATO for new employees that don’t choose a super fund. 15 Dec 2021
Electronic sales suppression tools Electronic sales suppression tools are used to illegally reduce the value of, or delete, a business’ sales transactions. 10 Dec 2021
Reported transactions in ATO online Information to help you to understand your Reported Transactions in ATO online services. 3 Dec 2021
Disclosure of business tax debts Businesses who meet certain criteria may have their tax debt information reported to credit reporting bureaus. 29 Nov 2021
Loss carry back tax offset tool now available You can now use the new loss carry back (LCB) tax offset tool to help you determine your eligibility, calculate the maximum amount of tax offset you can claim and help complete the LCB labels in your company tax return correctly. 24 Nov 2021
ABN intent to cancel program During November and December, the ATO may contact you or your clients to advise our intention to cancel their Australian business number (ABN), where there is evidence they are no longer carrying on an enterprise. 1 Nov 2021
Private company directors: lodge or review your return If you are a director of a private company, make sure to lodge your tax return and declare all your income earned. 14 Oct 2021
Varying your PAYG instalments due to COVID-19 Due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, the ATO is extending support to pay as you (PAYG) instalment variations. 13 Oct 2021
Cryptocurrency – investment or personal use asset If you have clients with cryptocurrency, you need to know how your clients are using it, such as if it is an investment, used in a business or a personal use asset for CGT purposes. 29 Sep 2021
Temporary full expensing videos The ATO has released a series of videos to help you understand the temporary full expensing measure. 7 Sep 2021
Re-contribution of COVID-19 early release super amounts Individuals can now re-contribute amounts they withdrew under the COVID-19 early release of super program. 31 Aug 2021
Cash flow boost for employers – schemes to artificially create or inflate entitlements The ATO is aware of schemes that may be used to create inappropriate entitlements to the cash flow boost for employers. 30 Aug 2021
Get ready to lodge your TPAR If your organisation pays contractors to provide certain services, you may need to lodge a Taxable payments annual report (TPAR) due 28 August. 3 Aug 2021
STP finalisations are now overdue If you haven’t submitted your 2021 finalisation declaration through your STP-enabled software, you should do so now or apply for a deferral. 30 Jul 2021
SMSF checklists A range of checklists designed to help trustees manage their SMSF through different stages of the fund. 20 Jul 2021
Closely held payees Single Touch Payroll reporting for small businesses, companies or trusts with directly related (closely held) payees. 20 Jul 2021
TPAR – check if you need to lodge If you pay contractors to provide certain services, you may need to lodge a Taxable payments annual report (TPAR), due 28 August. 12 Jul 2021
Rent or lease concessions due to COVID-19 Find out about potential changes to tax obligations if your business has received, or given, a rent concession as a result of COVID-19. 12 Jul 2021
End-of-year finalisation through STP Information about making a finalisation declaration if you’re reporting through Single Touch Payroll (STP). 29 Jun 2021
Clients selling property for $750K + If you have clients selling property, they need to request clearance certificates early. 24 Jun 2021
Rent or lease payment changes due to COVID-19 Your business tenant or landlord tax obligations may change if you give or receive rent concessions as a result of COVID-19. 21 Jun 2021
Extension of time to make minimum yearly repayments on Division 7A loans Borrowers affected by COVID-19 can apply for administrative relief for Division 7A minimum yearly repayments. 17 Jun 2021
How much super to pay The minimum superannuation employers must pay for each eligible employee is 10% of their ordinary time earnings (OTE). 17 Jun 2021
What’s new for small business Small businesses have access to a range of tax concessions. This page summarises the latest changes to concessions available to small businesses. 2 Jun 2021
Backing business investment – accelerated depreciation Information on how businesses apply the backing business investment rules to access accelerated depreciation. 1 Jun 2021
ATO warns on copy pasting claims The ATO is alerting taxpayers that its sights are set on work-related expenses like car and travel claims that are predicted to decrease in this year’s tax returns. 20 May 2021
Interaction of tax depreciation incentives The information on this page is a guide to tax depreciation incentives and when businesses could consider using them. 20 May 2021
Modernising Business Registers The Modernising Business Registers (MBR) program aims to streamline how you register, view and maintain business information with government. 13 Apr 2021
Auditor Independence Approved self-managed super fund (SMSF) auditors must comply with independence requirements as part of their professional obligations under the superannuation laws. 1 Apr 2021
Temporary full expensing Businesses may be able to use temporary full expensing to claim an immediate deduction for the cost of eligible assets and improvements to existing assets. 31 Mar 2021
Changes to STP reporting from 1 July Changes to Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting for small employers with closely held payees and quarterly reporting for micro employers start from 1 July 2021. If you haven’t started reporting through STP, start as soon as possible. 24 Feb 2021
Loss carry back tax offset In the 2020–21 and 2021–22 income years, corporate entities may be able to claim a refundable tax offset if their businesses made tax losses in the 2019–20, 2020–21 or 2021–22 income years. 14 Dec 2020
Register your business for the JobMaker Hiring Credit To qualify, both employers and employees must meet eligibility criteria. 7 Dec 2020
Cash flow coaching kit The Cash flow coaching kit supports tax professionals to help small business clients effectively manage their cash flow. How to access the kit, attend a webinar and watch the ATO show me how videos. 6 Nov 2020
Instalment notices for GST and PAYG instalments Find out about when you’ll receive a quarterly goods and services tax (GST) or pay as you go (PAYG) instalment notice instead of a business activity statement (BAS). 6 Nov 2020
Backing business investment – accelerated depreciation Information on how businesses apply the Backing business investment rules to access accelerated depreciation. 20 Aug 2020
More employees now able to access JobKeeper More employees are now able to access JobKeeper following implemented changes to the JobKeeper employee eligibility rules. The key date for assessing which employees are eligible for JobKeeper is now 1 July 2020. 19 Aug 2020
ATO zeroes in on COVID-19 fraud The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is building on its significant efforts zeroing in on fraud and schemes designed to take advantage of the government’s COVID-19 stimulus package. This includes JobKeeper, early release of superannuation, and boosting cash flow for employers. 23 Jun 2020
Assessing the risk: allocation of profits within professional firms How the ATO assess the risk of Part IVA applying to the allocation of profits from a professional firm where the income is not personal services income. 22 Jun 2020
Cash flow boost for employers – schemes to artificially create or inflate entitlements The ATO are aware of schemes that may be used to create inappropriate entitlements to the cash flow boost for employers. 17 Apr 2020
Cash flow boost for employers – fraudulent arrangements The ATO will be looking out for businesses which try to fraudulently access the cash flow boost for employers. 17 Apr 2020
Employers need to get ready for JobKeeper now The new JobKeeper Payment has now passed through parliament and the Australian Taxation Office is working to assist business to access the scheme, helping them to retain their employees. 16 Apr 2020
New working from home claim shortcut The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is announcing special arrangements this year due to COVID-19 to make it easier for people to claim deductions for working from home. 7 Apr 2020
COVID-19 Information and assistance if you have been affected by COVID-19 outbreak 17 Mar 2020
Support measures to assist those affected by COVID-19 The ATO will implement a series of administrative measures to assist Australians experiencing financial difficulty as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. 12 Mar 2020
Lodging your TPAR The Taxable payments annual report (TPAR) is due by 28 August. Businesses can lodge online or on paper. Government entities must lodge online. Watch the ATO video to find out how to lodge online. 7 Feb 2020
Full Federal Court finds Racing Clubs are liable for SGC on unpaid super for jockeys This week, the Full Federal Court ruled in favour of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), agreeing that horse racing clubs and state racing boards are required to pay superannuation contributions on behalf of jockeys. 18 Dec 2019
Small employers urged to make the switch to Single Touch Payroll The ATO is urging small employers who’ve not yet made the switch to Single Touch Payroll (STP) to get in touch if they need help to transition. 19 Nov 2019
Super Scheme Smart There are a number of schemes targeting Australians planning for their retirement. These schemes encourage individuals to send money inappropriately through their self-managed super fund (SMSF). 19 Nov 2019
ATO grants two month deferral for bushfire victims in New South Wales and Queensland The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) today announced that it will grant a two month lodgment and payment deferral to taxpayers impacted by the recent catastrophic bushfires in New South Wales and Queensland. 18 Nov 2019
Removing tax deductibility of non-compliant payments You can only claim deductions for payments you make to your workers where you have complied with the PAYG withholding and reporting obligations for that payment. 30 Oct 2019
Capital gains tax changes for foreign investors On 9 May 2017, the government announced that Australia’s foreign resident capital gains tax (CGT) regime will be extended to deny foreign and temporary tax residents access to the CGT main residence exemption. 29 Oct 2019
Applying the margin scheme correctly Make sure your clients are eligible to use the margin scheme before they sell property, and that amendments to the law are applied correctly. 9 Oct 2019
External collection agencies The ATO are continuing to use external collection agencies to obtain overdue lodgments on their behalf. In late September you may receive an email with a list of your clients who have overdue lodgment obligations. The ATO will contact these clients and may refer them to an external collection agency. 26 Sep 2019
Assessing the risk: allocation of profits within professional firms How the ATO assess the risk of Part IVA applying to the allocation of profits from a professional firm where the income is not personal services income. 24 Sep 2019
ATO watching for foreign income this Tax Time The ATO is urging taxpayers who receive any foreign income from investments, family members or working overseas to make sure they report it this tax time. 15 Aug 2019
Federal Court provides clarification on the personal services income rules The Federal Court handed down two decisions relating to personal services income (PSI) rules yesterday. 13 Aug 2019
Lodging your TPAR You need to lodge your Taxable payments annual report (TPAR) by 28 August. Businesses can do this online or by paper form. Government entities must lodge their report online. 27 Jun 2019
ATO puts the brakes on dodgy car claims The ATO is making work-related car expenses a key focus again during Tax Time 2019. This follows warnings by the ATO last year that work-related car expenses would face greater scrutiny. 25 Jun 2019
STP and closely held payees Information on the quarterly reporting concession for closely held payees 19 Jun 2019
Unreported ‘cash in hand’ payments to workers no longer tax deductible The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) today reminded employers that any ‘cash in hand’ payments made to workers from 1 July 2019 will not be tax deductible. 18 Jun 2019
Tax time tips for small business – 2019 The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is lending a helping hand to nearly four million small businesses to get their tax right this tax time. 14 Jun 2019
Single Touch Payroll starts 1 July – small employers are you ready? The ATO strongly encourage all employers with 19 employees or less to get on board and start reporting through Single Touch Payroll from 1 July 2019. 11 Jun 2019
Study and training loans – what’s new Content related to any new legislation for study and training loans. 5 Jun 2019
ATO to iron out false laundry claims The ATO will target false clothing and laundry work-related expense claims this tax time. In 2018, around six million people claimed work-related clothing and laundry expenses totalling nearly $1.5 billion. 4 Jun 2019
Inactive low-balance super accounts Super funds are required to transfer the balance of inactive low-balance accounts to us and, where possible, we’ll proactively consolidate these into active super accounts. 24 May 2019
Auditing an SMSF that is winding up Guidance for SMSF auditors on auditing an SMSF that is is winding up 17 May 2019
Help with your lodgment program If you are experiencing difficulties managing your lodgment program due to unforeseen circumstances, help is available. 8 May 2019
How the ATO deals with non-compliance The ATO main focus is encouraging SMSF trustees to comply with the super laws, but there are occasions when stronger responses are warranted. 3 May 2019
ATO receives cryptocurrency data to assist tax compliance The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is collecting bulk records from Australian cryptocurrency designated service providers (DSPs) as part of a data matching program to ensure people trading in cryptocurrency are paying the right amount of tax. Data to be provided to the ATO will include cryptocurrency purchase and sale information. Deputy Commissioner Will Day said the data will make up a key element in the ATO’s compliance program. 30 Apr 2019
Tax office to double audits of dodgy rental deductions Rental property owners are being warned to ensure their claims are correct this tax time, as the ATO will double the number of audits scrutinising rental deductions. 17 Apr 2019
Statement of tax record From 1 July 2019, tenderers and their first tier subcontractors applying for Commonwealth Government contracts over $4 million (including GST), must obtain a statement of tax record (STR) showing satisfactory engagement with the tax system. 26 Mar 2019
Time for small employers to get ready for Single Touch Payroll Legislation to extend Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting to all employers from 1 July 2019 is now law. 7 Mar 2019
What’s new for small business Small businesses have access to a range of tax concessions. This page summarises the latest changes to concessions available to small businesses. 30 Jan 2019
New data on shares helps taxpayers to get it right The Australian Taxation Office is once again extending its data matching program, this time focussing on share data. 30 Oct 2018
Ban on electronic sales suppression tools An electronic sales suppression tool (ESST) is a tool used to facilitate tax evasion by manipulating business transaction records and under-reporting income. 5 Oct 2018
What’s new for small business Small businesses have access to a range of tax concessions. This page summarises the latest concessions available to small businesses. 26 Sep 2018

Reporting additional members on your SAR

Self-managed super funds can now report up to 6 members on their SAR.

18 May 2022

Notifying the ATO of any SMSF changes

Make sure to keep the ATO informed when making any changes to your SMSF.

18 May 2022

Delays in processing super ENCC

The ATO is contacting super funds to release excess contributions and associated earnings for clients who did not nominate the tax treatment of their excess non-concessional contributions (ENCC) for 2020 and prior years. Your client may receive an amended Notice of Assessment that includes the associated earnings on the excess contributions.

17 May 2022

TPAR non-lodgment advice

From 1 July 2022, if your clients are not required to complete a Taxable payments annual report (TPAR), let the ATO know by submitting a Non-lodgment advice (NLA) in Online services for agents. The TPAR NLA web form will be unavailable after 30 June 2022.

17 May 2022

Resuming offsetting of debts on hold

The ATO will recommence offsetting your clients’ credits to pay off their debts on hold from June 2022.

17 May 2022

Base rate entities and the lower company tax rate

Corporate tax entities have been found incorrectly determining their status as a base rate entity and accessing the lower company tax rate. Help your clients correctly determine their status as a base rate entity and claim the correct tax rate.

16 May 2022

Accountants Desktop Comment
Use our “Company Tax Rate” calculator to help determine the correct company tax rate.

Four priorities for the ATO this tax time

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced four key focus areas for Tax Time 2022.

16 May 2022

Debts on hold

Non-pursued debt is a debt the ATO have placed on hold. It’s not visible on your account balance but remains payable, any credits will be offset against it. .

14 Apr 2022

Deferral requests during peak lodgment periods

It can take 28 days to process deferral requests during peak lodgment times. Some of your clients may have until 5 June to lodge and pay without requesting a deferral.

14 Apr 2022

Keeping businesses safe with eInvoicing

eInvoicing can help prevent invoice fraud and reduce compliance impacts caused by invoicing errors.

12 Apr 2022

Reduced minimum super drawdown rates extended

New legislation has been registered to extend the temporary 50% reduction of superannuation minimum drawdown rates until the 2022–23 income year.

11 Apr 2022

Lodgment reminder for Child Care Subsidy and Family Tax Benefit recipients

Child Care Subsidy and Family Tax Benefit recipients and their partners must lodge their outstanding 2021 tax returns by 30 June 2022 to avoid losing their benefits.

1 Apr 2022

Director penalty notices

Warning letters are being issued to company directors about personal liability for unpaid company tax debts.

28 Mar 2022

Disclosure of business tax debts

Effectively engage with the ATO about your clients’ business tax debt to avoid disclosure to credit reporting bureaus.

28 Mar 2022

Changes to the work test requirements for superannuation contributions

From 1 July 2022, members under 75 years of age will no longer have to meet the work test to make superannuation contributions.

25 Mar 2022

The ATO is paying interest on early payments automatically from March 2022

The automation of interest on early payments (IEP) means that you will no longer need to contact the ATO to request payment of your clients’ future IEP entitlements.

21 Mar 2022

Get ready for fringe benefits tax time 2022

Request an FBT client list to determine which of your clients need to lodge an FBT return or non-lodgment advice.

18 Mar 2022

Eligibility age change for downsizer contributions

From 1 July 2022, the eligibility age for downsizer contributions will reduce from 65 to 60 years old.

3 Mar 2022

First Home Super Saver Scheme – increasing the maximum releasable amount to $50,000 and technical amendments

The Australian Government announced in the 2021-22 Federal Budget it will improve the First Home Super Saver scheme and increase the maximum releasable amount up to $50,000.

24 Feb 2022

Super to cover more employees

From 1 July 2022, your employer clients will be required to make super guarantee contributions to their eligible employee’s super fund. The $450 per month threshold has been removed to expand the coverage of super guarantee to eligible employees regardless of their monthly pay.

23 Feb 2022

Unit trust arrangements

The ATO has concerns about arrangements involving units trusts and unpaid present entitlements that may have implications under Division 7A.

23 Feb 2022

New guidelines aim to combat cybercrime

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) have developed new guidelines on client identity verification which will help improve security to stop criminals from committing tax fraud.

8 Feb 2022

Deductibility of COVID-19 tests

The Government has announced plans to introduce legislation to make COVID-19 tests (including Rapid Antigen Tests) tax deductible for testing taken to attend a place of work and ensure that fringe benefits tax will not be incurred by employers where they provide these tests to their employees for this purpose.

7 Feb 2022

Strengthening client verification guidelines

Refer to our guidelines for minimum requirements on performing client verification to be voluntarily adopted by registered tax practitioners.

31 Jan 2022

Director ID: a requirement for company directors

Director identification number (director ID) is a requirement for all directors. The application is available at Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).

11 Jan 2022

Changes to ABN details

You can now update your ABN to include an additional four business activities.

4 Jan 2022

Guidance for allocation of professional firm profit and income

Practical Compliance Guideline PCG 2021/4 on the ATO compliance approach to the allocation of profits or income from professional firms.

16 Dec 2021

Stapled super funds for employers

As of 1 November 2021, most employers will need to request stapled super fund details from the ATO for new employees that don’t choose a super fund.

15 Dec 2021

Electronic sales suppression tools

Electronic sales suppression tools are used to illegally reduce the value of, or delete, a business’ sales transactions.

10 Dec 2021

Reported transactions in ATO online

Information to help you to understand your Reported Transactions in ATO online services.

3 Dec 2021

Disclosure of business tax debts

Businesses who meet certain criteria may have their tax debt information reported to credit reporting bureaus.

29 Nov 2021

Loss carry back tax offset tool now available

You can now use the new loss carry back (LCB) tax offset tool to help you determine your eligibility, calculate the maximum amount of tax offset you can claim and help complete the LCB labels in your company tax return correctly.

24 Nov 2021

ABN intent to cancel program

During November and December, the ATO may contact you or your clients to advise our intention to cancel their Australian business number (ABN), where there is evidence they are no longer carrying on an enterprise.

1 Nov 2021

Private company directors: lodge or review your return

If you are a director of a private company, make sure to lodge your tax return and declare all your income earned.

14 Oct 2021

Varying your PAYG instalments due to COVID-19

Due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, the ATO is extending support to pay as you (PAYG) instalment variations.

13 Oct 2021

Cryptocurrency – investment or personal use asset

If you have clients with cryptocurrency, you need to know how your clients are using it, such as if it is an investment, used in a business or a personal use asset for CGT purposes.

29 Sep 2021

Temporary full expensing videos

The ATO has released a series of videos to help you understand the temporary full expensing measure.

7 Sep 2021

Re-contribution of COVID-19 early release super amounts

Individuals can now re-contribute amounts they withdrew under the COVID-19 early release of super program.

31 Aug 2021

Cash flow boost for employers – schemes to artificially create or inflate entitlements

The ATO is aware of schemes that may be used to create inappropriate entitlements to the cash flow boost for employers.

30 Aug 2021

Get ready to lodge your TPAR

If your organisation pays contractors to provide certain services, you may need to lodge a Taxable payments annual report (TPAR) due 28 August.

3 Aug 2021

STP finalisations are now overdue

If you haven’t submitted your 2021 finalisation declaration through your STP-enabled software, you should do so now or apply for a deferral.

30 Jul 2021

SMSF checklists

A range of checklists designed to help trustees manage their SMSF through different stages of the fund.

20 Jul 2021

Closely held payees

Single Touch Payroll reporting for small businesses, companies or trusts with directly related (closely held) payees.

20 Jul 2021

TPAR – check if you need to lodge

If you pay contractors to provide certain services, you may need to lodge a Taxable payments annual report (TPAR), due 28 August.

12 Jul 2021

Rent or lease concessions due to COVID-19

Find out about potential changes to tax obligations if your business has received, or given, a rent concession as a result of COVID-19.

12 Jul 2021

End-of-year finalisation through STP

Information about making a finalisation declaration if you’re reporting through Single Touch Payroll (STP).

29 Jun 2021

Clients selling property for $750K +

If you have clients selling property, they need to request clearance certificates early.

24 Jun 2021

Rent or lease payment changes due to COVID-19

Your business tenant or landlord tax obligations may change if you give or receive rent concessions as a result of COVID-19.

21 Jun 2021

Extension of time to make minimum yearly repayments on Division 7A loans

Borrowers affected by COVID-19 can apply for administrative relief for Division 7A minimum yearly repayments.

17 Jun 2021

How much super to pay

The minimum superannuation employers must pay for each eligible employee is 10% of their ordinary time earnings (OTE).

17 Jun 2021

What’s new for small business

Small businesses have access to a range of tax concessions. This page summarises the latest changes to concessions available to small businesses.

2 Jun 2021

Backing business investment – accelerated depreciation

Information on how businesses apply the backing business investment rules to access accelerated depreciation.

1 Jun 2021

ATO warns on copy pasting claims

The ATO is alerting taxpayers that its sights are set on work-related expenses like car and travel claims that are predicted to decrease in this year’s tax returns.

20 May 2021

Interaction of tax depreciation incentives

The information on this page is a guide to tax depreciation incentives and when businesses could consider using them.

20 May 2021

Modernising Business Registers

The Modernising Business Registers (MBR) program aims to streamline how you register, view and maintain business information with government.

13 Apr 2021

Auditor Independence

Approved self-managed super fund (SMSF) auditors must comply with independence requirements as part of their professional obligations under the superannuation laws.

1 Apr 2021

Temporary full expensing

Businesses may be able to use temporary full expensing to claim an immediate deduction for the cost of eligible assets and improvements to existing assets.

31 Mar 2021

Changes to STP reporting from 1 July

Changes to Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting for small employers with closely held payees and quarterly reporting for micro employers start from 1 July 2021. If you haven’t started reporting through STP, start as soon as possible.

24 Feb 2021

Loss carry back tax offset

In the 2020–21 and 2021–22 income years, corporate entities may be able to claim a refundable tax offset if their businesses made tax losses in the 2019–20, 2020–21 or 2021–22 income years.

14 Dec 2020

Register your business for the JobMaker Hiring Credit

To qualify, both employers and employees must meet eligibility criteria.

7 Dec 2020

Cash flow coaching kit

The Cash flow coaching kit supports tax professionals to help small business clients effectively manage their cash flow. How to access the kit, attend a webinar and watch the ATO show me how videos.

6 Nov 2020

Instalment notices for GST and PAYG instalments

Find out about when you’ll receive a quarterly goods and services tax (GST) or pay as you go (PAYG) instalment notice instead of a business activity statement (BAS).

6 Nov 2020

Backing business investment – accelerated depreciation

Information on how businesses apply the Backing business investment rules to access accelerated depreciation.

20 Aug 2020

More employees now able to access JobKeeper

More employees are now able to access JobKeeper following implemented changes to the JobKeeper employee eligibility rules. The key date for assessing which employees are eligible for JobKeeper is now 1 July 2020.

19 Aug 2020

ATO zeroes in on COVID-19 fraud

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is building on its significant efforts zeroing in on fraud and schemes designed to take advantage of the government’s COVID-19 stimulus package. This includes JobKeeper, early release of superannuation, and boosting cash flow for employers.

23 Jun 2020

Assessing the risk: allocation of profits within professional firms

How the ATO assess the risk of Part IVA applying to the allocation of profits from a professional firm where the income is not personal services income.

22 Jun 2020

Cash flow boost for employers – schemes to artificially create or inflate entitlements

The ATO are aware of schemes that may be used to create inappropriate entitlements to the cash flow boost for employers.

17 Apr 2020

Cash flow boost for employers – fraudulent arrangements

The ATO

will be looking out for businesses which try to fraudulently access the cash flow boost for employers.

17 Apr 2020

Employers need to get ready for JobKeeper now

The new JobKeeper Payment has now passed through parliament and the Australian Taxation Office is working to assist business to access the scheme, helping them to retain their employees.

16 Apr 2020

New working from home claim shortcut

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is announcing special arrangements this year due to COVID-19 to make it easier for people to claim deductions for working from home.

7 Apr 2020

COVID-19

Information and assistance if you have been affected by COVID-19 outbreak

17 Mar 2020

Support measures to assist those affected by COVID-19

The ATO will implement a series of administrative measures to assist Australians experiencing financial difficulty as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

12 Mar 2020

Lodging your TPAR

The Taxable payments annual report (TPAR) is due by 28 August. Businesses can lodge online or on paper. Government entities must lodge online. Watch the ATO video to find out how to lodge online.

7 Feb 2020

Full Federal Court finds Racing Clubs are liable for SGC on unpaid super for jockeys

This week, the Full Federal Court ruled in favour of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), agreeing that horse racing clubs and state racing boards are required to pay superannuation contributions on behalf of jockeys.

18 Dec 2019

Small employers urged to make the switch to Single Touch Payroll

The ATO is urging small employers who’ve not yet made the switch to Single Touch Payroll (STP) to get in touch if they need help to transition.

19 Nov 2019

Super Scheme Smart

There are a number of schemes targeting Australians planning for their retirement. These schemes encourage individuals to send money inappropriately through their self-managed super fund (SMSF).

19 Nov 2019

ATO grants two month deferral for bushfire victims in New South Wales and Queensland

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) today announced that it will grant a two month lodgment and payment deferral to taxpayers impacted by the recent catastrophic bushfires in New South Wales and Queensland.

18 Nov 2019

Removing tax deductibility of non-compliant payments

You can only claim deductions for payments you make to your workers where you have complied with the PAYG withholding and reporting obligations for that payment.

30 Oct 2019

Capital gains tax changes for foreign investors

On 9 May 2017, the government announced that Australia’s foreign resident capital gains tax (CGT) regime will be extended to deny foreign and temporary tax residents access to the CGT main residence exemption.

29 Oct 2019

Applying the margin scheme correctly

Make sure your clients are eligible to use the margin scheme before they sell property, and that amendments to the law are applied correctly.

9 Oct 2019

External collection agencies

The ATO are continuing to use external collection agencies to obtain overdue lodgments on their behalf. In late September you may receive an email with a list of your clients who have overdue lodgment obligations. The ATO will contact these clients and may refer them to an external collection agency.

26 Sep 2019

Assessing the risk: allocation of profits within professional firms

How the ATO assess the risk of Part IVA applying to the allocation of profits from a professional firm where the income is not personal services income.

24 Sep 2019

ATO watching for foreign income this Tax Time

The ATO is urging taxpayers who receive any foreign income from investments, family members or working overseas to make sure they report it this tax time.

15 Aug 2019

Federal Court provides clarification on the personal services income rules

The Federal Court handed down two decisions relating to personal services income (PSI) rules yesterday.

13 Aug 2019

Lodging your TPAR

You need to lodge your Taxable payments annual report (TPAR) by 28 August. Businesses can do this online or by paper form. Government entities must lodge their report online.

27 Jun 2019

ATO puts the brakes on dodgy car claims

The ATO is making work-related car expenses a key focus again during Tax Time 2019. This follows warnings by the ATO last year that work-related car expenses would face greater scrutiny.

25 Jun 2019

STP and closely held payees

Information on the quarterly reporting concession for closely held payees

19 Jun 2019

Unreported ‘cash in hand’ payments to workers no longer tax deductible

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) today reminded employers that any ‘cash in hand’ payments made to workers from 1 July 2019 will not be tax deductible.

18 Jun 2019

Tax time tips for small business – 2019

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is lending a helping hand to nearly four million small businesses to get their tax right this tax time.

14 Jun 2019

Single Touch Payroll starts 1 July – small employers are you ready?

The ATO strongly encourage all employers with 19 employees or less to get on board and start reporting through Single Touch Payroll from 1 July 2019.

11 Jun 2019

Study and training loans – what’s new

Content related to any new legislation for study and training loans.

5 Jun 2019

ATO to iron out false laundry claims

The ATO will target false clothing and laundry work-related expense claims this tax time. In 2018, around six million people claimed work-related clothing and laundry expenses totalling nearly $1.5 billion.

4 Jun 2019

Inactive low-balance super accounts

Super funds are required to transfer the balance of inactive low-balance accounts to us and, where possible, we’ll proactively consolidate these into active super accounts.

24 May 2019

Auditing an SMSF that is winding up

Guidance for SMSF auditors on auditing an SMSF that is is winding up

17 May 2019

Help with your lodgment program

If you are experiencing difficulties managing your lodgment program due to unforeseen circumstances, help is available.

8 May 2019

How the ATO deals with non-compliance

The ATO main focus is encouraging SMSF trustees to comply with the super laws, but there are occasions when stronger responses are warranted.

3 May 2019

ATO receives cryptocurrency data to assist tax compliance

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is collecting bulk records from Australian cryptocurrency designated service providers (DSPs) as part of a data matching program to ensure people trading in cryptocurrency are paying the right amount of tax. Data to be provided to the ATO will include cryptocurrency purchase and sale information. Deputy Commissioner Will Day said the data will make up a key element in the ATO’s compliance program.

30 Apr 2019

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