SmartCompany’s most-read stories of 2023
Our most-read stories of the year included important Australia Post and ATO news for SMEs, stories of iconic businesses coming unstuck and more.
Why the ATO’s under-the-radar website overhaul is good for taxpayers
After more than a decade, the ATO has finally updated its website and it seems that nobody really noticed, and this bodes well.
Tax consultants put on notice as ATO escalates R&D warning
The Australian Taxation Office has strengthened its approach to Research & Development (R&D) tax incentive compliance, warning taxpayers and their advisors that penalties could await those making false claims.
Tax recap: The 23 updates, reforms, and crackdowns that defined 2023
It was a year of transition for the Australian Taxation Office: after an extended period of leniency shown to small busines taxpayers struggling through pandemic lockdowns, 2023 marked a reversion to the norm.
ATO commissioner says “softer approach” to small business debt collection is officially over
The Australian Taxation Office is "unapologetic" about collecting unpaid debts from the small business sector, commissioner Chris Jordan says, giving one final warning to enterprises deliberately holding on to overdue payments.
Court actions by Big Four banks against SMEs ramp up to pre-pandemic levels
The Big Four banks are ramping up their court activity against small businesses as interest rates continue to rise, with legal actions firmly at pre-pandemic levels in October.
ATO unveils beta version of “streamlined” website ahead of December release
The 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.
Having a staff Christmas party? The ATO has put you on notice
The ATO has recently put out a warning about the tax implications for the employer of holding a staff Christmas party.
ATO surprises taxpayers and accountants by reviving tax debts under $1
The ATO has unexpectedly revitalised thousands of dormant tax debts, some of which are for as little as 31 cents.
From unpaid super to GST fraud: ATO’s debt collection priorities revealed
The ATO currently has about $50 billion worth of collectible debt, which is the highest it's ever been. It’s an 89% increase on pre-COVID figures.
ATO urges accountants to double-check R&D tax incentive claims
The ATO is urging accountants and consultants to review their clients' R&D Tax Incentive claims, after identifying potentially costly errors in claims made under the multi-billion dollar scheme.
ATO taskforce recovers billions from big business tax avoiders
The Australian Taxation Office’s Tax Avoidance Taskforce helped generate an additional $7.6 billion in revenue during the 2022-23 financial year.
