The Tax Ombudsman has reported a dramatic 127% increase in complaints about the ATO this financial year (to 30 April 2026), with nearly 3,000 complaints received in the first ten months. Debt collection, penalties, and tax debt interest charges have dominated the issues raised. Tax Ombudsman Ruth Owen has linked the sharp rise directly to the ATO’s intensified focus on…
As tax time approaches, so does the annual spike in scam calls pretending to be from the ATO. These calls are becoming increasingly convincing — and increasingly costly for those who get caught by them. The ATO has now launched a simple, powerful solution: the ‘verify call’ feature in the free ATO app. Rolled out in early April 2026, it…
With global fuel supply chains still under strain from conflict in the Middle East, many Australian businesses are feeling the impact through higher operating costs, delayed deliveries and pressure on cash flow. To help stabilise affected sectors, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and the ATO have announced a package designed to give businesses immediate breathing room and reduce administrative burden during a…
Fuel Tax Credit rates change regularly. It is important that you ensure you are using the correct rates when calculating your fuel tax credits dependant on the date the fuel was purchased. Current fuel tax credit rates are as follows: Rates for fuel acquired from 2 February 2026 Eligible fuel typeUsed in heavy vehicles for travelling on public roads (see…
Leaving debts outstanding with the ATO is now more expensive for many taxpayers. As we explained in the July edition of our newsletter, general interest charge (GIC) and shortfall interest charge (SIC) imposed by the ATO is no longer tax-deductible from 1 July 2025. This applies regardless of whether the underlying tax debt relates to past or future income years. With…
On 1 July 2025 the superannuation guarantee rate increased to 12% which is the final stage of a series of previously legislated increases. Employers currently need to make superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions for their employees by 28 days after the end of each quarter (28 October, 28 January, 28 April and 28 July). There is an extra day’s allowance when…
Fuel Tax Credit rates change regularly. It is important that you ensure you are using the correct rates when calculating your fuel tax credits dependant on the date the fuel was purchased. Current fuel tax credit rates are as follows: Rates for fuel acquired from 4 August 2025 Eligible fuel typeUsed in heavy vehicles for travelling on public roads (see…
They’re advising from your insta and TikTok feeds, they’ve got huge followings, they speak with conviction – financial influencers or ‘finfluencers’. Please heed our caution, taking advice from unqualified sources can have serious consequences. We’re seeing examples of misleading claims, exaggerated deductions and outright misinformation. Relying on this advice could not only leave you out of pocket but also expose…
If you’re carrying an Australian Taxation Office (ATO) debt there is a good chance that it will cost you even more from 1 July 2025 onwards. This is because from 1 July 2025 two types of interest charges imposed by the ATO are no longer deductible. What are the interest charges? There are two main types of interest that are…