“Admin nightmare”: ATO online service outages stretch to nearly a week
Users of the Australian Taxation Office's online portal reported outages as late as Tuesday afternoon, with the tax office yet to detail the cause of technical difficulties causing almost a week of disruptions.
ATO online outage strikes as accountants prepare for looming lodgment deadlines
Technical difficulties have plagued the Australian Taxation Office's online services for nearly a week, disrupting tax agents trying to complete returns before a major reporting deadline and raising concerns of further setbacks as a new cut-off date approaches.
ATO court actions are on the rise, as small business chief Will Day confirms “firmer footing” for compliance activities
Debt collection efforts at the ATO are now on a "firmer footing" than in recent years, Deputy Commissioner Will Day has confirmed, with the number of court actions initiated by the tax office expected to hit pre-COVID levels this year.
Littleproud says new super tax rules will hit “mum and dad” businesses. Is he right?
Raising the tax rate on superannuation balances above $3 million will affect "many mum-and-dad businesses" which hoped to sell up for retirement, National Party leader David Littleproud says, as accountants warn of significant tax implications for successful entrepreneurs nearing the end of their professional lives.
ATO issues new warning to GST fraudsters after search warrants, saying “we will be recouping the funds” one way or another
The ATO has issued a last-chance notice to attempted GST fraudsters, after joining forces with the Australian Federal Police to execute new search warrants on those suspected of promoting the scam.
Working from home? The ATO has revealed new ‘fixed rate’ tax deductions, and stronger record-keeping rules
Australians who work from home and want to simplify their tax returns will soon need to record each hour they complete outside the office or worksite.
Tax practitioner watchdog set to receive new funding and powers following PwC bombshell
Preserving trust between tax professionals and the ATO is necessary to provide the best outcomes for small business, accounting industry expert Tony Greco says, as the federal government chases the PwC tax leak scandal.
Just 1% of Australian businesses have signed up for eInvoicing. Now, the ATO is set to double down on the time-saving scheme
Two years after launch, the eInvoicing system had only reached 25,000 of Australia's estimated 2.5 million businesses.
The Australian business community should lose its fuel tax credit scheme. Here’s why
Giving businesses tax credits for consuming fuel without having to pay for or reduce their carbon emissions is sharply at odds with the government’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
Accountants call for permanent WFH tax deductions similar to cents-per-kilometre car claims
The federal government should legislate a standard tax deduction for work-from-home expenses, mirroring how drivers are reimbursed for every kilometre they cover for work, according to CPA Australia.
Accountants optimistic after “critical” meeting with ATO over small business tax agent overhaul
Professional accounting groups are optimistic the ATO will continue to refine its new tax agent-linking system, after industry representatives said its six-step registration process could pose a significant challenge to small business clients.
“Red tape and grief”: Fears new ATO digital system will place fresh burdens on tax agents and clients
The ATO is trialling a new digital process linking clients to tax agents, but some accounting groups are concerned the six-step process could place a significant administrative burden on small businesses.