ATO unveils beta version of “streamlined” website ahead of December release

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has unveiled a beta version of its new website, claiming its refreshed online services will offer “streamlined” navigation and clearer information for taxpayers and tax agents alike.

The sneak-peek version of the site, which will officially launch in December this year, highlights information for three distinct groups: household taxpayers, businesses and organisations, and tax professionals.

Its landing page also includes an information pack specifically for small businesses, providing resources on topics as varied as tax time, superannuation requirements, temporary full expensing, and loss carry-backs.

Notably, the beta site currently includes a large banner directing visitors to information about the lodgment penalty amnesty program — the scheme that allows businesses to confess certain tax debts without being slogged with failure to lodge penalties.

Businesses have until December 31 this year to take advantage of that scheme.

Work to overhaul the ATO’s public-facing website comes as the tax office endeavours to introduce new training modules for small businesses, hoping to ensure compliance and whittling down the billions of dollars in collectable debt help by SMEs.

Search functions have also been improved, the ATO said in a statement while superannuation information has been reshuffled.

“Smarter search allows you to find information more efficiently and the simplified home page makes it easier for you to access the most relevant content for your query,” it said.

“You’ll now find super content in the relevant section for either Individuals and families, Businesses and organisations, or Tax and super professionals,” the ATO said.

Users can provide feedback to the ATO before the site’s official reveal.