TPB flags cyber-criminal threats for accountants
Credit: Accountants Daily
The TPB has urged accountants to bolster their cyber-security posture as they increasingly communicate online with staff and clients while working remotely.
Unpaid super costs Aussies $28bn over six years
Credit: Nestegg
Dodgy business-owners are said to be taking advantage of Australia’s superannuation laws at the expense of employees’ retirement prospects.
Economic sentiment strengthens even as confusion persists
Credit: Accountants Daily
Confidence surrounding economic conditions is growing within the accounting profession despite confusion being caused by differing reopening requirements state-by-state, according to a new survey.
The Pandora Papers financial leak shows us the secrets of the world’s rich and powerful
Credit: ABC
The leak of nearly 12 million financial documents is one of the largest in history.
Treasury consults on increase to charities financial reporting threshold
Credit: Accountants Daily
The revenue thresholds defining small, medium and large charities are set to be raised, saving over 5,000 charities the need to produce reviewed or audited financial statements.
Bring accounts up to date to qualify for Covid-19 financial support
Credit: Consultancy
Despite the availability of several support packages for businesses across all three tiers of government, many businesses are struggling to understand what is available, how to access it, or whether they qualify, according to accountant and tax advisor Coco Hou.
The ATO is targeting side hustlers: Here’s what you need to know
Credit: Nestegg
If you don’t keep on top of what your side hustle means for your tax obligations, you’re asking for trouble.
ATO eyes foreign income disguised as gifts, loans
21 September 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO will ramp up reviews and audits of Australian-resident taxpayers who attempt to conceal foreign source income as it notices an uptick in such errant arrangements.
ATO fires warning shots on cryptocurrency cost base, record-keeping
15 September 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
Attempting to stimulate the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Australia, a local millionaire vowed to give away a small amount of BTC to everyone who takes a jab.
The ATO is targeting side hustlers: Here’s what you need to know
21 September 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
If you don’t keep on top of what your side hustle means for your tax obligations, you’re asking for trouble.
Beauty business denied cash-flow boost
15 September 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
A franchise skincare and beauty salon has been denied the cash-flow boost after the Administrative Appeals Tribunal ruled that it had entered into a scheme with the sole purpose of increasing the stimulus payment.
Remit SGC penalties for inadvertent and unintentional errors: CA ANZ, CPA Australia
7 September 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
Employers who inadvertently make late superannuation payments despite doing their best to comply with their obligations should be granted full remission of the superannuation guarantee charge, the ATO has been told.
ATO issues warning on shares, ETF tax consequences
7 September 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
A surge in first-time investors trading shares and exchange-traded funds (ETF) has prompted the ATO to issue a warning on share tax treatment and the behaviour that raises red flags.
Australia: Bitcoin for Those Who Get COVID-19 Vaccine
31 August 2021
Credit: Cryptopotato
Attempting to stimulate the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Australia, a local millionaire vowed to give away a small amount of BTC to everyone who takes a jab.
‘Expect to be reviewed’: ATO sends warning to cash-flow boost rorters
5 August 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
The Tax Office says businesses that made significant changes to their wages in order to obtain a higher amount of the cash flow boost can expect their claims to be revisited and scrutinised in the wake of a recent tribunal decision.
ATO message of “don’t bet against the house” rings alarm bells!
4 August 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
In case you missed it, the ATO sent out a disturbing message yesterday warning property investors that they shouldn’t ‘bet against the house this tax time’.
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ATO cracks down on property investors as errors creep up
3 August 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO has sent a warning to property investors this tax time after it found rental income and deduction errors in more than 70 per cent of tax returns audited last year.
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‘Nowhere to hide’: New gig economy reporting regime set to debut
7 July 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
Share economy participants will no longer be able to evade their tax obligations as the government looks to legislate a new compulsory reporting regime.
ATO doubles down on wealthy and private groups
29 June 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
Just 10 per cent of Australia’s largest 500 privately owned groups are guaranteed to be paying the correct amount of tax, says the ATO, as questions hang over the ATO’s engagement approach.
Facebook Marketplace flippers are safe from the ATO for now
17 June 2021
Credit: Nestegg
While the ATO is paying more attention to online shopping sites like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, it’s only really interested in the activities of those using the platforms to run a business.
ATO doubles down on wealthy and private groups
29 June 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
Just 10 per cent of Australia’s largest 500 privately owned groups are guaranteed to be paying the correct amount of tax, says the ATO, as questions hang over the ATO’s engagement approach.
Facebook Marketplace flippers are safe from the ATO for now
17 June 2021
Credit: Nestegg
While the ATO is paying more attention to online shopping sites like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, it’s only really interested in the activities of those using the platforms to run a business.
Facebook Marketplace flippers are safe from the ATO for now
17 June 2021
Credit: Nestegg
While the ATO is paying more attention to online shopping sites like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, it’s only really interested in the activities of those using the platforms to run a business.
‘Jig is up on the gig economy’: ATO eyes side hustles this tax time
16 June 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO is cracking down on the cash and gig economies, and taxpayers must ensure that they are declaring all of their odd jobs and freelance work on their tax return, says one industry body.
Australian Tax Office to Prompt 400,000 Crypto Holders to Report Their Gains
29 May 2021
Credit: Bitcoin.com
Australia’s revenue service has reminded a growing number of crypto investors about their tax obligations. Rejecting the common misconception that crypto gains are only taxable when coins are cashed back into dollars.
Australian Tax Office Warns Investors to Report Crypto Gains and Losses
28 May 2021
Credit: Coindesk
The ATO will inform around 100,000 crypto investors to review their previous years’ returns and ensure they’re correct.
ATO puts cryptocurrency traders on notice ahead of tax time, warning of penalties
28 May 2021
Credit: 7 News
Cryptocurrency traders who think they’re living in a faceless high-tech world will soon get a letter from the tax office
Economic stimulus measures – compliance and integrity
26 May 2021
Credit: Australian Government
If the ATO identify concerning or fraudulent behaviours they will actively pursue these claims. Penalties for fraud can include financial penalties, prosecution, and imprisonment for the most serious cases.
More data matching for ATO
24 May 2021
Credit: Australian Government
Notice has been given that the ATO will acquire property management data from property management software providers for the 2018-19 through to 2022-23 financial years.
ATO sheds light on crypto compliance focus
24 May 2021
Credit: Accountantsdaily
The Australian Tax Office has urged advisers and taxpayers alike to heed its guidance on accounting for cryptocurrency come tax time, when it will be looking to ensure that all capital gains events are accurately reported — not just gains.
From a soft hug to a tight squeeze: ATO tightens its grip on private and wealthy groups
13 May 2021
Credit: Accountantsdaily
Businesses that fall into the Top 500, Next 5,000, and medium and emerging private groups programs should be on guard, prepare early and expect engagement with the Tax Office that they mightn’t have before, says one law firm.
SMSF property development issues to see continued ATO, auditor scrutiny
28 April 2021
Credit: SMSFAdviser
SMSFs need to ensure greater preparation around the compliance approach for property development, as the ATO will be continuing to apply greater scrutiny in the coming years, according to an industry consultant.
ATO launches new tax residency data-matching program
15 April 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
The tax residency status of Australians and foreign residents are set to undergo closer scrutiny by the ATO as it launches a new data-matching program that will cover 670,000 individuals each year.
NSW payroll tax avoidance penalties set for 400% increase
15 April 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
Penalties for payroll tax avoidance are set to rise five-fold in New South Wales as the Berejiklian government looks to crack down on wage theft.
Fair Work Ombudsman’s surprise audit recovers $580,000 in unpaid wages
6 April 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s audit of Hobart’s “cheap eats” food precincts has found that 80 per cent of businesses had failed to comply with workplace laws, including record-keeping requirements, resulting in over $580,000 in underpaid wages.
Joint bodies take aim at ATO’s guidance on professional firm profits
6 April 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO’s new approach towards the allocation of professional firm profits will cause a large number of practitioners and their firms to fall within scope of audits, says a coalition of accounting, tax and law peak bodies.
‘Penalties will resume’: ATO flips the switch on debt recovery
1 April 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
Taxpayers falling behind on tax debts and lodgement obligations can soon expect contact from the ATO as it confirms a resumption of its compliance activities in the wake of JobKeeper ending.
ATO chases $172bn in undeclared contractor income
1 April 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO has warned businesses to come clean on $172 billion worth of payments to contractors as it cracks down on non-compliance with the taxable payments reporting system.
Dozens of companies report large boost in profits after receiving JobKeeper subsidy
18 March 2021
Credit: ABC News
More than 30 companies recorded higher profits in the last six months of 2020 — after receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in JobKeeper subsidies — than in the last six months of 2019.
RBA governor Philip Lowe says data investment is vital to nation’s economic recovery
15 March 2021
Credit: news.com.au
The Reserve Bank of Australia has detailed how important investment in data and technology will be to the nation’s economic recovery.
JobKeeper and early super release rorts and overpayments on the rise
12 March 2021
Credit: ABC News
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has revealed it is still owed hundreds of millions of dollars from companies that have attempted to rort the JobKeeper wage subsidy, were declared ineligible or were overpaid.
ATO circles privately owned and wealthy groups as audits heat up
10 March 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
The Tax Office is expected to ramp up audits and target Australia’s largest and most successful businesses in a bid to claw back a $772 million tax gap, says one law firm.
Steer clear of ATO blunders in business digital push, government told
9 March 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
The government must learn from ATO mistakes in its plan to modernise business communications, and consult closely with small businesses and their advisers before implementing changes.
Latest national accounts data shows GDP has improved
4 March 2021
Credit: news.com.au
Australia has experienced a ‘remarkable’ turnaround when compared with the rest of the world, the latest national accounts show.
Restrict ATO audit time limit for tax agent lodgements: ASBFEO
4 March 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
Small businesses being serviced by registered tax and BAS agents should have their ATO review and audit period reduced to 12 months, the small business ombudsman says.
ATO on the hunt for 60,000 TPAR businesses
2 March 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
More than one in five businesses required to lodge a taxable payments annual report for the last financial year have yet to do so.
ATO’s good-faith approach to crypto won’t last much longer
1 March 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO has maintained its good-faith approach to the accounting of cryptocurrencies, though it isn’t expected to last much longer, says a national tax and accounting network.
ATO tipped to pounce once JobKeeper ends
1 March 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
With JobKeeper ending in four weeks, small businesses have been urged to “act early” on exploring their insolvency options before the ATO moves on recouping debts.
JobKeeper payments for prisoners, the dead and other fraud cases probed by ATO
28 January 2021
Credit: ABC News Australia
Employers claiming JobKeeper on behalf of fictitious employees are being pursued by an ATO investigation
Some landlords are failing to disclose annual income of more than $70,000 from rental platforms used by an estimated 190,000 individuals renting out homes or apartments, according to ATO analysis.
Payroll tax audit activity surges as a result of data matching
21 January 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
We have recently seen a surge in payroll tax audit activity as the state revenue authorities have received data from other sources, including the ATO and ASIC. Here are some traps to look out for.
Tax Office issues SG amnesty disqualification warning
20 January 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO has warned businesses who have qualified for the superannuation guarantee amnesty to pay their dues or risk disqualification.
Flashy cars, low income: ATO eyes tax-dodging red flag
20 January 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
Black economy participants and tax dodgers driving luxury cars will continue to come under ATO scrutiny as it looks to extend its motor vehicle data-matching program for a further three years.
ATO launches appeal against JobKeeper decision
20 January 2021
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO has turned to the Federal Court in an attempt to overturn an Administrative Appeals Tribunal decision that granted a sole trader access to JobKeeper.
ATO extends JobKeeper deadlines ahead of Christmas, New Year
1 December 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
JobKeeper deadlines for the second extension period have now been extended by the ATO ahead of the festive season.
Sole Traders hit with huge ATO tax bills that they don’t have to pay
Huge $1 billion in superannuation sitting with ATO expected to be handed back to Aussies
20 November 2020
Credit: news.com.au
There’s whopping amount of unclaimed super that you could get your hands on before Christmas. And one postcode is owed a fortune.
Small business insolvency reforms land in Parliament
13 November 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Legislation setting out reforms to Australia’s insolvency framework has now been introduced into Parliament.
ATO, Treasury plead for return to on-time lodging ‘rhythm’
13 November 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Tax professionals have been urged to get clients to continue lodging as the ATO and the Treasury encourage businesses to return to a “normal rhythm”.
ATO extends JobKeeper deadlines ahead of Christmas, New Year
1 December 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
JobKeeper deadlines for the second extension period have now been extended by the ATO ahead of the festive season.
Sole Traders hit with huge ATO tax bills that they don’t have to pay
Huge $1 billion in superannuation sitting with ATO expected to be handed back to Aussies
20 November 2020
Credit: news.com.au
There’s whopping amount of unclaimed super that you could get your hands on before Christmas. And one postcode is owed a fortune.
Small business insolvency reforms land in Parliament
13 November 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Legislation setting out reforms to Australia’s insolvency framework has now been introduced into Parliament.
ATO, Treasury plead for return to on-time lodging ‘rhythm’
13 November 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Tax professionals have been urged to get clients to continue lodging as the ATO and the Treasury encourage businesses to return to a “normal rhythm”.
Aussies warned of new scam targeting superannuation funds
12 November 2020
Credit: 9 News
Tax cuts to kick in and boost the economy
8 November 2020
Credit: Sydney Morning Herald
Millions of Australians will be up to $47 a week better off as the Morrison government’s early tax cuts kick in over the next week, with economists expecting the money to deliver a vital boost to the economy as it reopens from coronavirus shutdown.
ATO to examine data on 10m individuals under new JobKeeper compliance program
4 November 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO’s data-matching program with the Department of Home Affairs will be extended for another three years, with a particular focus on identifying compliance with the JobKeeper program.
ATO resumes audit business as usual position, eyes shadow economy
3 November 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO’s review and audit programs have now recommenced as it begins to turn its attention to the small-business black economy.
$120m in JobKeeper clawed back by ATO, new compliance areas highlighted
28 October 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
About $120 million in JobKeeper payments have been recovered by the ATO due to businesses making deliberate or reckless mistakes, as fresh guidance on its JobKeeper extension compliance focus lands.
‘Unnecessary and unfair’: Small business shut out from loss carry back
15 October 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Thousands of small businesses are set to miss out on accessing the temporary loss carry back provisions due to its limitation to corporate entities.
Budget 2020 income tax cuts: It’s time to update your payroll, ATO says
15 October 2020
Credit: Smart Company
The Australian Taxation Office has updated its tax withholding schedules, to reflect the personal tax cuts announced in this year’s federal budget.
Omnibus budget tax bill introduced
8 October 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
An omnibus bill containing the bulk of the government’s federal budget tax measures has now been introduced into Parliament.
ATO cracks down on early release super applicants who do not qualify
7 October 2020
Credit: SMH
The Australian Taxation office is cracking down on workers who accessed their superannuation early under the federal government’s COVID-19 hardship scheme but have been found to be ineligible.
‘Gone are the days of in-house audits’, ATO warns
23 September 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO is encouraging SMSF firms to start restructuring their audit engagements now rather than hoping clients meet the “routine and mechanical” exception, given the risk the exemption may not even exist in future years.
ATO’s ‘hands are tied’ on cash flow boost, JobKeeper anomaly: Tax Institute
23 September 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Businesses that are seeking redress for their cash flow boost ineligibility may find their efforts futile unless a legislative amendment is made to correct the anomaly, says one tax expert.
ATO kicks off ‘soft’ debt collection restart
9 September 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO has launched a soft restart of its debt and lodgement activities as it looks to re-engage with businesses.
Tax Office confirms post-SG amnesty approach
9 September 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Businesses that submit superannuation guarantee amnesty applications now will see them treated as the standard lodgement of an SGC statement, the ATO has confirmed.
ATO eyes ‘unusual or unexpected’ PAYG cash-flow boost changes
1 September 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Businesses that made sudden or unexpected changes to PAYG withholding amounts to increase their entitlement to the cash-flow boost are now being contacted by the ATO.
CE distributors & retailers being probed by ATO over JobKeeper payments
31 August 2020
Credit: Channel News
Distributors, consumer electronic suppliers and retailers who took Government money during the COVID-19 crisis are now being investigated by the Australian Tax Office.
Deadline looms for Super Guarantee amnesty
18 August 2020
Credit: Jirsch Sutherland
Employers have just a couple of weeks to take up the Australian Tax Office’s Superannuation Guarantee amnesty or face the penalty for any unpaid super.
Incoming ATO audits tipped to focus on JobKeeper, employer obligations
12 August 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
JobKeeper audits are expected to go on for two years, while the ATO’s scrutiny of employer obligations is set to continue over the next 12 months, says one audit insurance provider.
ATO pencils October start date for tax audits
7 August 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
ATO audit activities are now set to recommence by October, pending on how the ongoing coronavirus situation develops, a parliamentary committee has heard.
ATO sets out Part 7 penalty remission process post-SG amnesty
31 July 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO has now issued a draft practice statement confirming its restriction on remitting the Part 7 penalty for historical quarters covered by the superannuation guarantee amnesty once the grace period ends in September.
Accounting bodies to weigh in heavily on JobKeeper 2.0 design
30 July 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The professional accounting and tax bodies will soon present the Treasury with a laundry list of issues to be considered in the design and execution of JobKeeper 2.0, as the profession aims to avoid implementation issues that encumbered the first version.
BAS agents defend service expansion plans
28 July 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Professional bodies representing the BAS agent community have defended the Tax Practitioners Board’s proposal to expand the scope of BAS services, arguing that it aims to overcome an administrative hurdle.
Government announces overhaul to JobKeeper and JobSeeker programs
21 July 2020
Credit: Nestegg
The Morrison government will extend JobKeeper and JobSeeker beyond September, but eligibility will change as the government looks to reign in some of its spending, a Treasury update has revealed.
JobKeeper, Centrelink data-matching program begins
20 July 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Services Australia will begin sending letters to Australians who are incorrectly claiming both JobKeeper and social security payments as it commences a new data-matching program with the ATO.
Taxpayers rush ATO for early returns to cope with COVID-19 recession
12 July 2020
Credit: SMH
Australians have rushed to get their hands on annual tax refunds, with a record number submitting returns early in a sign of the income pressures on many households during the nation’s first recession in 30 years.
Tax return ‘shortcut method’ extended for Australians working from home due to COVID
11 July 2020
Credit: 7 News
Workers can now use the shortcut method to claim 80 cents per hour for each hour you worked from home during the period between March 1 and September 30.
‘Don’t click’: ATO warns of new tax scam
10 July 2020
Credit: Yahoo Finance
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has sounded the alarm on various scams circulating during tax season, specifically pointing out a new malicious text message.
‘Keep your eyes wide open’ for zombie firm exodus
10 July 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Practitioners have been urged to keep their eyes peeled for clients with “zombie company” red flags as the profession anticipates a looming insolvency spike beyond September.
GST hike on the cards to cover costs of stamp duty, payroll tax
7 July 2020
Credit: news.com.au
Economists say now is the time to plot for daring tax reform to help steer Australia out of its first recession in nearly three decades.
Bigger, broader GST could be offset by luxury laxes: PwC analysis
7 July 2020
Credit: SMH
Broadening and lifting the GST would raise enough money to cover the cost of state stamp duty or payroll tax, with a new independent analysis urging higher taxes on luxury items to properly compensate low-income earners.
3,000 ATO officers zero in on JobKeeper cheats
6 July 2020
Credit: MyBusiness
While the government reviews the JobKeeper wage subsidy measure, 3,000 ATO officers are taking a closer look at the applicants and picking out the ineligible or fraudulent applications.
6 facts the ATO wants you to know this tax time
1 July 2020
Credit: Nestegg
Want to make tax time as smooth, easy and fast as possible? Don’t get caught up in believing any of the many myths that crop up around the end of financial year.
ATO throws lifeline to landlords, confirming it will accept expense claims for empty Airbnbs
29 June 2020
Credit: Smart Company
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has confirmed it will accept expense claims for short-term rental properties like Airbnbs that have sat empty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is a cyber attack, what are the targets and who is behind them? Inside the hacking attacks bombarding Australia
29 June 2020
Credit: ABC News
Who are the hackers targeting Australia — and can we do anything to stop them?
‘Everyone is now on notice’: ATO acquires COVID-19 data on 3m Aussies
29 June 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO is set to acquire the data of 3 million Australians from Services Australia as it doubles down on the COVID-19 compliance front.
ATO warns rental property owners coronavirus, bushfires and floods do not mean they can avoid tax
25 June 2020
Credit: ABC News
Rental property owners that have had their mortgage repayments deferred due to COVID-19 can still claim the interest on their tax bills, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) says.
ATO ramps up focus on COVID-19 compliance issues
22 June 2020
Credit: SMSF Adviser
The ATO will undertake a data-matching program to help identify anyone looking to exploit the COVID-19 measures including early access to super.
‘Competing priorities’: Government pushed on SG amnesty extension
22 June 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The economic impact of COVID-19 has seen the superannuation guarantee amnesty put on ice for employers, with the government now urged to consider a six-month extension.
Robodebt victims could face second round of pain – tax bills on refunds
18 June 2020
Credit: The Guardian
ATO refuses to answer whether $720m worth of Centrelink refunds will be treated as taxable income
Tax time 2020: ATO flags work-related hotspots
12 June 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO has now announced a number of deduction hotspots that it will pay close attention to this year, in light of COVID-19.
The tax claims the ATO will be watching this year, according to a tax accountant
10 June 2020
Credit: Life Hacker
By now, it shouldn’t come as a surprise the ATO focuses on certain hotspots at tax time to call out taxpayers who have either accidentally or deliberately made errors. To avoid falling into a trap, here’s what you need to look out for in two key areas: work-related expenses and claims for investment properties.
Tax office has info in one place
10 June 2020
Credit: Blue Mountains Gazette
With so much else to focus on at the moment, the last thing most people are worrying about is the taxation ramifications.
ATO warns against SMSF property development
10 June 2020
Credit: Financial Standard
The Australian Taxation Office has shared its concerns about a growing number of SMSFs purchasing and investing in the development of real property.
Accountants recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours 2020
9 June 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
A number of accounting professionals have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List.
ATO finalises initial cash flow boost credits
5 June 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
All eligible cash flow boost recipients will receive their credits by the close of business Friday, with the ATO set to contact all other taxpayers who believe they are eligible for the credits.
Businesses warned ahead of JobKeeper review
4 June 2020
Credit: SMSF Adviser
A law firm has warned businesses to keep evidence of their eligibility for JobKeeper as the Tax Office begins its compliance review of the scheme.
TPB proceeds with COVID-19 registration fee hike
4 June 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Practitioners looking to register or renew their agent registrations in the new financial year will face a fee hike as the Tax Practitioners Board implements its second annual consumer price index adjustment.
ATO extends deadline for future JobKeeper enrolments
3 June 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO has now extended the deadline to enrol and identify eligible employees for JobKeeper payments to the end of each month being claimed.
‘Horrendously busy’ tax time 2020 looms
2 June 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Practitioners have been urged to brace for a double workload peak this tax time as individual and business clients rush in early looking for refunds in the wake of COVID-19.
Feds step in to help Queensland with cyber security
2 June 2020
Credit: CRN
Brisbane, Townsville and the Sunshine Coast are the latest cities to have their cyber security bolstered, thanks to a joint project between AustCyber, the Queensland and Federal Governments.
Assistant Treasurer pushed on Div 7A announcement as start date looms
29 May 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The Assistant Treasurer has been pressed to provide clarity on proposed Division 7A changes that are due to start in less than five weeks’ time.
‘The message can’t be clearer’: Practitioners urged to build JobKeeper defence
27 May 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
JobKeeper defence files will need to be prepared now in light of an all but certain impending ATO audit, a big four partner has warned.
Tax storm looms for super
26 May 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Superannuation could be set to lose its preferential tax treatment in the COVID-19 recovery, an actuary has cautioned, with its chief noting the government flirting with a tax overhaul to pay its debt is “inevitable”.
Tax Office quizzed on cash-flow boost backlog
21 May 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO has denied any systemic issues around the processing of the cash-flow boost measure, noting that it only continues to interrogate claims in a “very small number of cases”.
Profession braces for tax time 2020 COVID-19 hotspots
20 May 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Agents have been urged to be proactive as tax time 2020 approaches, with the ATO set to take a closer look at clients’ tax returns through a COVID-19 lens.
Lodgement extensions critical as 3 out of 4 agents fall behind
19 May 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Close to three out of four tax agents are now behind on lodgements compared to this time last year, as calls for further extensions continue to ring out.
When should I pay JobKeeper wages? ATO clarifies deadlines amid payroll confusion
18 May 2020
Credit: Smart Company
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has clarified that businesses are able to make JobKeeper payments for work performed in another fortnight but must comply with bi-weekly payment deadlines.
‘A hell of a ride’: The COVID-19 toll on the accounting profession
12 May 2020
Credit:Accountants Daily
Long hours dragging into the weekend and over public holidays, unpaid billable hours and constant pressure from clients are just some of the stressors accountants and bookkeepers have had to face as frontline operators for the government’s economic stimulus measures.
Tax Office warns employers that JobKeeper rorts will be exposed
28 April 2020
Credit:The New Daily
The Australian Taxation Office has warned employers that it will be keeping a close eye on rorts as the first of the $130 billion JobKeeper payments are rolled out across the nation.
Tax Commissioner yields on lodgement deferral
22 April 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO will now apply blanket lodgement deferrals following intense pressure from the joint accounting bodies.
ERS can be drawn from multiple funds
16 April 2020
Credit: Financial Standard
The Australian Taxation Office has clarified the rules for the Early Release Super scheme, allowing members to withdraw super from multiple funds.
Working from home because of coronavirus? The ATO’s new tax ‘shortcut’ may leave you paying more
8 April 2020
Credit: ABC News
Australians who have been working from home due to coronavirus are being warned to be cautious about using a new “shortcut” to do their tax return.
Banks extend repayment deferral to $10m loans
30 March 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Up to 98 per cent of all businesses will now be able to defer loan repayments for six months following an extension of loan facilities of up to $10 million.
SMSF members can give rental relief
30 March 2020
Credit: Money Management
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will not consider it a contravention if self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) members with real property reduce the rental price for tenants due to the financial impacts of COVID-19.
Ticking deadline on SG amnesty faces worst-case scenario
26 March 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The government has been urged to consider extending the superannuation guarantee amnesty as businesses move into “survival mode” to deal with the changing economic conditions caused by COVID-19.
Coronavirus is changing how we work. Online scammers are taking advantage
23 March 2020
Credit: ABC
Australians are now working from home offices and kitchen tables as social distancing measures to slow the spread of coronavirus ramp up. But this change to how we work makes us more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats.
Victoria takes charge with payroll tax refunds, waivers
21 March 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Payroll tax paid up for the current financial year will now be refunded to Victorian small and medium businesses as the state government announces a $1.7 billion coronavirus support package.
Federal budget delayed to October
20 March 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The federal budget has now been postponed in the wake on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
No more free passes for SMSF breaches: ATO
20 March 2020
Credit: Professional Planner
The tax regulator’s SMSF lead said it will play hard ball with non-compliant SMSF trustees in the future after a three-year review found that three quarters of its breaches went unpunished, and the trustees that were punished failed to learn their lesson.
‘Accountants, this is our time to shine’
17 March 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Tax advice will be vital for small-business clients as they look to wade through a period of economic uncertainty, says one accounting firm.
ATO unveils new communications preferences function
17 March 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Tax and BAS agents will now have the ability to decide what client communication comes to them and what goes to their client’s myGov inbox as the ATO rolls out a long-awaited new function.
BAS agents given free pass on SG amnesty services
12 March 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
BAS agents assisting clients with the superannuation guarantee amnesty will not face any compliance action from the Tax Practitioners Board as it undertakes a review of BAS services.
ATO to focus attention on wealthy cheats
11 March 2020
Credit: News.com.au
The Australian Taxation Office has singled out a particular group of Australians as it launches a new bid to crack down on tax cheats.
September deadline set for SG amnesty
11 March 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Employers will have until 7 September to disclose any superannuation guarantee shortfalls before increased penalties apply.
ATO yields on FBT ‘ticking time bomb’
10 March 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO will defer the start date of its controversial revised fringe benefits taxation ruling after bowing to pressure from the profession.
‘How will the ATO possibly know?’: Tax Office cracks the whip on crypto transactions
9 March 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
ATO warning letters highlighting cryptocurrency tax discrepancies have now hit Australian mailboxes as the Tax Office acts on the “fruit of its labour”.
ATO issues false, years-old tax debts worth thousands of dollars due to IT error
7 March 2020
Credit: The Guardian
Taxpayers are being asked to pay false, years-old debts worth thousands of dollars due to system problems at the Australian Taxation Office.
ATO warns AUSkey retirement date looms, won’t be extended
5 March 2020
Credit: IT Wire
The Australian Taxation Office is stepping up its support to help businesses know what they need to do and make the necessary move to myGovID ahead of the impending retirement of AUSkey – alerting business that the secure login to government online services cannot be extended beyond the portal shutdown date.
‘Talk to your creditors now’, businesses told
4 March 2020
Credit: My Business
A leading law firm has urged business owners to talk to their creditors as soon as possible, warning that the financial repercussions of the coronavirus could last for five years.
ATO rates itself as a ‘good’ regulator despite declines in key areas
3 March 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The Tax Office says its performance as a regulator remains “good” in all areas despite a blowout in private ruling times and objection resolution times.
The ATO ups its compliance game. Here’s what that means for taxpayers.
1 March 2020
Credit: In The Black
New technology and a different approach mean that the Australian Taxation Office has taken its game to a new level. Tax advisers need to pay attention.
Cyber attacks costing businesses billions
28 February 2020
Credit: News.com.au
Cybercrime is a business’ greatest concern, as online-related incidents cost Australian enterprises $29 billion annually, a Business SA report has found.
ATO flags most common SMSF return mistakes
26 February 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The Australian Taxation Office has revealed the top five most frequent errors made in the submission of SMSF annual returns as well as how advisers can avoid them when lodging this year.
ATO tipped to adopt ‘benign approach’ to PAYG instalment variations
25 February 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO is expected to adopt a “benign approach” to PAYG instalment variations in the wake of recent disasters, says one professional accounting body.
ATO to auto-describe new trustees to SMSF news service
24 February 2020
Credit: SMSF Adviser
The ATO has said it will begin auto-subscribing new trustees on to its SMSF news service after the regulator revealed it only had 35,000 subscribers against its 1.1 million trustee population.
SG amnesty bill passes Parliament
24 February 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The long-awaited superannuation guarantee amnesty bill has now passed both houses, with employers set to get six months to disclose historical non-compliance before tougher penalties apply.
Payment transparency laws set to hit big business
24 February 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Over 2,000 businesses could be made to report their payment times to small businesses under new laws proposed by the government.
No more free passes from SMSF breaches: ATO
20 February 2020
Credit: Professional Planner
The tax regulator’s SMSF lead said it will play hard ball with non-compliant SMSF trustees in the future after a three-year review found that three quarters of its breaches went unpunished, and the trustees that were punished failed to learn their lesson.
‘Many hundreds’ of Australians feared to be caught in tax evasion arrangements: ATO
20 February 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO fears “many hundreds of Australians” are caught up in international tax evasion activities as it commences action with 14 Australians it believes are embroiled in an international tax evasion arrangement.
‘Significant increase’: TPB floats drastic CPE changes
20 February 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Practitioners could face up to an eight-fold jump in minimum continuing professional education hours under a new proposal floated by the Tax Practitioners Board.
ATO eyes foreign tax credits in compliance crackdown
17 February 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO has put taxpayers with foreign capital gains on notice in the wake of the High Court’s special leave decision.
Court confirms ATO position on foreign income tax offsets
14 February 2020
Credit: Mirage News
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) welcomes the decision of the High Court to not grant an application for special leave to appeal a decision of the Full Federal Court.
ATO investigating errors in SMSF alert service
14 February 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO is investigating system errors in its newly launched text message alert service for SMSF trustees which were mistakenly triggering alerts for trustees upon lodgement of their 2019 annual return.
ATO has a new weapon to counter unauthorised tax debts, SME funder warns business owners
12 February 2020
Credit: PR Wire
Using the ATO ‘as a bank’ by not paying tax commitments on time comes with new risks for SMEs, national business funder Scottish Pacific has warned.
SME insolvencies tipped to rise in 2020
10 February 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
SME insolvencies are forecast to increase in 2020, reversing a positive trend witnessed over the last couple of years, new research has shown.
Don’t be too clever: Clients warned on CGT MRE changes
10 February 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Clients affected by changes to the main residence exemption have been urged to be “very careful” when attempting to navigate the transitional provisions, with anti-avoidance rules potentially applying.
Too good to be true: ATO warns on parking perks
6 February 2020
Credit: Financial Review
The ATO revealed planned changes to fringe benefit tax rules for car parks provided for workers in November, issuing a new ruling for suburban employers who provide facilities for their staff.
Small Business Tax Concessions: Tips & Traps on Sale of Business Entities
4 February 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
There are significant tax savings to be made when selling a business, or selling your ownership interest in an entity carrying on a business, where the small business capital gains tax (CGT) concessions in Division 152 of the tax legislation can be applied.
ATO to commence ‘field visits’ to assist with myGovID transition
4 February 2020
Credit: My Business
The Tax Office is commencing field visits to tax professionals needing assistance to transition from AUSkey to myGovID on 10 February, particularly focusing on medium-sized businesses, it told My Business on Tuesday.
ATO urges businesses to consider tax implications of crowdfunding
3 February 2020
Credit: My Business
The ATO has warned businesses using internet platforms, mail-order subscriptions, benefit events and other methods to raise funds for a project or venture, to beware of tax consequences.
Property deduction errors down to ‘lack of understanding’: ATO
31 January 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
A fundamental knowledge gap is continuing to trip property investors up, leading to simple mistakes and heaping pressure on tax agents, the ATO has revealed.
14k employers, $230m in super: Financial Services Minister defends proposed SG amnesty
30 January 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Over 14,000 employers are set to come forward under the proposed SG amnesty, paying out a total of $230 million in unpaid superannuation to employees, according to the Financial Services Minister.
ATO issues call-out tax dobbers
29 January 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO is calling on practitioners and their clients to continue dobbing in businesses suspected of taking part in phoenix, tax evasion or black economy activities as its tip-off hotline continues to ring hot.
These are the top 10 global business risks for 2020
28 January 2020
Credit: Insurance Business
Cyber incidents have been ranked as the top business risk in the Allianz Global Risk Barometer 2020, knocking business interruption from a top spot it had held for seven consecutive years.
ATO investigates hundreds of Australians after global money laundering raids
24 January 2020
Credit: ABC News
Hundreds of Australian tax avoiders using a dodgy bank in Central America could face civil or criminal charges after a global investigation into money laundering and tax evasion.
ATO warns councils over property reporting
22 January 2020
Credit: Government News
The ATO says under GST at Settlement requirements introduced in 2018 big and small government bodies are required by law to report GST in their business activity statements when they supply new residential property or potential residential land.
ATO sounds warning on FBT calculation method
22 January 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO has announced that from February, the agency may contact clients who have engaged an arm’s-length valuer as required under the market value method.
SG loophole measure now in force
20 January 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Employers have been reminded that a new law that ensures an individual’s salary sacrifice contributions cannot be used to reduce an employer’s minimum SG contributions is now in force.
Division 7A advice for clients ‘currently next to impossible’
17 January 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The Australian government has been called to clarify its position on the proposed changes to Division 7A ahead of the looming 1 July 2020 start date.
1 in 3 Victorian workers affected by unpaid super
13 January 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
New analysis of ATO data by Industry Super Australia (ISA) has unveiled the scope of unpaid super in Victoria, calling it a “scandal”.
On average, it said the state’s workers are ripped off about $1,750 per year.
“This money, which workers are legally entitled to, can be the difference between a dignified retirement and one just scraping by,” ISA outlined.
Dodgy tax claims ‘cost nation billions’
12 January 2020
Credit: The Australian
Dodgy tax deductions for workplace-related expenses and claims for investment properties cost national tax coffers $5.5bn per year.
Government releases draft legislation on APRA-ASIC cooperation
9 January 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
The draft legislation obliges the two financial regulators to share information to the maximum extent practicable and notify the other whenever it forms the belief that a breach of the law for which the other regulator has enforcement responsibility has occurred.
“These new provisions will enable the regulators to support each other in discharging their regulatory functions effectively, and ensure that there are no unnecessary barriers to their sharing information,” Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said.
Incoming tax changes for SMEs in 2020
8 January 2020
Credit: My Business
According to Susan Franks (pictured), senior tax advocate at Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), some of the core changes taking effect this year could be lost on busy business owners.
The first of these changes, Ms Franks said, is the expansion of the taxable payment reporting systems (TPRS).
“Small businesses in certain industries are required to report information to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) about payments they make to contractors,” she said.
Accountants cautioned on advisory jump
6 January 2020
Credit: Accountants Daily
Mark Holton, the director of Smithink, explained that while a number of accounting firms have already made the natural transition to base-level advisory, many have overly optimistic expectations.
“I think one of the mistakes they’re making with advisory is trying to get existing accountants who are comfortable doing compliance-based activity to be something different overnight. It does take time,” Mr Holton explained.
Strategically, he said, accountants have to be very sensible with how they package and sell their services going forward.
High-wealth clients targeted in ATO insurance data grab
18 December 2019
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO has today revealed its request to receive a further five years’ worth of policy information from over 30 insurance companies about taxpayers who own marine vessels, thoroughbred horses, fine art, high-value motor vehicles and aircraft.
The request will see the Tax Office’s lifestyle assets data-matching program extended up to 2019–20, with the agency already holding insurance policy information for the 2013–14 and 2014–15 financial years.
ATO issue SMSF scam warning
10 December 2019
Credit: Financial Standard
The Australian Tax Office has issued a warning against promoters of illegal self-managed superannuation schemes.
The ATO is reminding consumers that SMSF schemes promising to allow you to withdraw super early can be illegal.
“You can only access your super early under circumstances that mainly relate to specific medical conditions or severe financial hardship,” the ATO said.
‘Game over for expats’: CGT main residence exemption bill passes both houses
5 December 2019
Credit: Accountants Daily
Treasury Laws Amendment (Reducing Pressure on Housing Affordability Measures) Bill 2019 has been passed by the Senate today and now awaits royal assent.
First announced in the 2017–18 budget, the bill will now deny non-residents the CGT main residence exemption for CGT events that happen on or after 9 May 2017, subject to an extended 30 June 2020 transitional date.
ATO to roll out myGovID to SMSF auditors
2 December 2019
Credit: Accountants Daily
In a recent interview with SMSF Adviser, ATO assistant commissioner Dana Fleming said SMSF auditors would be included in the myGovID system as part of the proposed rollout of online services to businesses (OSB) in 2020.
“I’m advocating for SMSF auditors to be brought in as early as possible because they currently have a really old legacy system to lodge their audit contravention reports which is not integrated into other ATO systems,” Ms Fleming said.
A third of high-balance SMSFs in ATO’s sights
27 November 2019
Credit: SMSF Adviser
Addressing SMSF Adviser’s SMSF Summit 2019 in Perth last week, ATO assistant commissioner Dana Fleming said the top 100 SMSFs in the sector had over $8.3 billion in assets between them and had seen $500 million worth of growth in the 2019 financial year.
“In our stats, we have provided more granular information around our larger funds and the numbers and ranges within, so there are 22 funds with greater than $100 million in our population,” Ms Fleming said.
ATO delivers warning against 8 types of super scheme
22 November 2019
Credit: Nestegg
The Tax Office has earmarked a number of superannuation and SMSF schemes it says are under additional scrutiny for their ability to enable taxpayers to evade laws around superannuation and tax rules.
As nestegg has previously reported, there are a number of warning signs associated with illegal super schemes that Australians interested in SMSFs must be aware of.
What is the ATO’s stance on discounts for cash?
18 November 2019
Credit: Accountants Daily
The question was put to ATO assistant commissioner Peter Holt during a recent episode of the My Business Podcast, hosted by Accountants Daily’s sister brand, My Business.
In short, Mr Holt replied: “We don’t have a stance.”
But the longer answer to this often-asked question is that there is nothing wrong with using cash, or offering discounts for payments in cash, provided that such transactions are properly declared and recorded.
Victoria building developer in hot water over ‘calculated’ GST fraud
18 November 2019
Credit: Accountants Daily
Appearing in the County Court of Victoria last week, Simon Petzierides was sentenced to three years in jail for tax fraud.
The matter comes as a result of an ATO investigation that found since 2012, the 48-year-old building developer has been involved in claiming more than half a million dollars in fraudulent goods and services tax (GST) refund claims he made in business activity statements (BAS) lodged for two separate companies.
Holiday season contractor spike triggers TPAR concern
13 November 2019
Credit: Accountants Daily
The ATO has warned that in the lead-up to the holiday season, it often sees businesses that provide mixed services making increased contractor payments to cleaning and courier services.
This increase might result in businesses needing to lodge a taxable payments annual report (TPAR) in August 2020.
Risks abound in small business CGT exemption
11 November 2019
Credit: Accountants Daily
In a recent email to clients, the SMSF administrator’s principal, David Busoli, said the rules were extremely strict and in some cases difficult to prove for businesses looking to use the 15-year CGT exemption to make an additional lump sum contribution to super over and above their total super balance.
“Apart from the obvious qualification requirements — over 55 and either small business and relevant assets of less than $6 million or turnover of less than $2 million — there is also the need to prove that ownership requirements have been satisfied for at least the last 15 years,” Mr Busoli said.
Frankston, Croydon businesses set for ATO black economy strike force visists
7 November 2019
Credit: Accountants Daily
Over the next few weeks, the ATO will visit small businesses in and around Frankston — the gateway to the Mornington Peninsula — targeting food businesses like cafés, takeaway establishments and restaurants in addition to professional services businesses like real estate firms, management consultants and accountants.
In Croydon and nearby eastern suburbs, ATO officers will be more likely to visit hairdressers and beauty services, cleaning businesses, management consultants and financial advisers, and takeaway food businesses.