Running a business can be complicated and we know that it can be difficult for small businesses to stay on track. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to comply with your tax and super obligations. If you fall behind or are having difficulties, contact us and let us know your situation - we'll work with you on a solution.
If you know you are going to lodge or pay late, tell us and we may be able to give you an extension. Similarly, if you have made a mistake and you tell us about it, we may be able to fix it at no extra cost to you.
This brochure is about helping you stay on track. If you need any help, contact us, your industry body, or small business association.
We have a range of information to get you started.
Starting a business essentials is a summary of tax topics for new business including a checklist.
Small business support - overview provides links to a range of topics that may help you run your business and stay in control of your tax affairs.
Activity statements - home helps you with completing, lodging and paying your activity statements used to report tax obligations including pay as you go (PAYG), fringe benefits tax (FBT) and goods and services tax (GST), and on paying company and super fund instalments.
Tax basics for small business addresses most questions asked by small businesses, including which taxes affect you.
Income and deductions for small business, for information on deductions you can claim.
For assistance, make use of our website, phone us or arrange a personal visit.
Refer to Record keeping for small business (NAT 3029).
You can download our free Record keeping evaluation tool that tells you:
- what records your business should keep
- how well your business is keeping records.
Our Personal living expenses comprehensive worksheet can help you compare your household income to expenses and assess whether your declared income is enough to support your lifestyle. You can use the worksheets to review your business record keeping and self-assess your risk of being selected for an audit.
Small business benchmarks are a support tool to help you compare your business performance with others in your industry and check your record keeping.
Benchmarks are a useful tool to compare your business to before you lodge your business activity statement (BAS) or tax return.
To find benchmarks specific to your type of business, refer to Small business benchmarks.
Refer to Home-based business (NAT 10709).
Tell us early and we may be able to give you an extension and reduce or waive any penalties. Phone us on 13 28 66.
If you think you have made a mistake or left something out of your activity statements or income tax returns, tell as soon as possible. The law allows for a reduction in penalties if you tell us before an audit begins.
Refer to Correcting your tax return or activity statement (NAT 73315).
We understand that there are situations when it can be difficult to pay an outstanding debt. Where appropriate, we will try to help you clear your tax or super debt using reasonable payment arrangements, and/or remission of some or all of your outstanding interest.
Phone us on 13 11 42 as soon as possible to discuss your options.
More information
Websites
www.ato.gov.au
Employers - home web page helps with how to meet your tax and super obligations.
This includes links to:
Cash economy - home web page - provides links to a range of support tools and services to help you record and report all cash transactions. Discover how we detect, deter and deal with those who seek an unfair advantage to make business fair for all.
If you would like to deal with us online, for example to lodge activity statements, you can use our Business Portal.
If you require more assistance, phone us on 13 28 66.
www.business.gov.au
For business information, services and transactions with government. There are links to our applications to register for an Australian business number (ABN) and GST, or to apply for a tax file number.
Phone
General business
|
13 28 66
|
Super
|
13 10 20
|
Personal tax
|
13 28 61
|
ATO publications
|
1300 720 092
|
Business webinars and workshops
We run free small business webinars and workshops on a range of topics, including GST, PAYG, activity statements and record keeping.
These can be found at ato.gov.au/seminars
Business assistance visits
No strings attached - no auditing or checking.
If you would like personalised, special assistance or if you are new to business, you can arrange a free business assistance visit by phoning us on 13 28 66. For more information, visit Free and helpful tax assistance - no strings attached.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 26 March 2013