Tax professionals newsroom archive
11 Sep 2020
Varying pay as you go instalmentsHelp your clients affected by COVID-19 manage their income tax payments by varying their pay as you go (PAYG) instalments.24 Aug 2020
Activity statement reminder notificationsFind out about changes we will soon make to the activity statement reminders we send to you and your clients.09 Jul 2020
GST and selling propertyWhen your clients sell property, they may have GST obligations. Help your clients consider their circumstances and apply the law correctly.29 Jun 2020
GST and PAYG instalments - GDP adjustmentThe gross domestic product (GDP) adjustment for GST and pay as you go (PAYG) instalment amounts for the 2020–21 income year is nil.23 Mar 2020
Are your clients ride-sourcing ready?If your clients plan to drive passengers for a fare, let them know they need to get an Australian business number (ABN) and register for GST from the day they start.
28 Sep 2020
System maintenance delivers new enhancementsWe made some improvements to our systems during our scheduled quarterly maintenance that were developed based on your feedback. Find out about some improvements to Online services for agents, and benefits of the latest version of the myGovID app for name matching and verifying identity.17 Sep 2020
Regular maintenance keeps our systems healthyWe perform regular maintenance on our systems to ensure they provide you with the services you need. Learn about the different maintenance work we complete.22 Jun 2020
myGovID and Access Manager updatesUpdates include the addition of Australian visas to verify identification for myGovID and new Access Manager reporting and permission functions.06 May 2020
Inappropriate use of myGovWe are reminding tax practitioners that using your clients' personal login details to access their individual ATO Online accounts through myGov is not an approved channel to manage your clients' tax affairs.21 Apr 2020
Enroling for JobKeeper PaymentJobKeeper Payment is now open for enrolment through Online services for agents.
25 Sep 2020
Shares and unit records dataInformation on more than 20 million shares transactions for 800,000 taxpayers is now available through Online services for agents.14 Sep 2020
Deductions for vacant landIf your clients hold vacant land and intend to build a rental property, remind them they are no longer able to claim deductions for the cost of holding the vacant land until the property is available for rent. Find out when exceptions apply.28 Jul 2020
Services Australia income compliance program refundsSome of your clients may receive a refund from the Services Australia income compliance program. Find out more.24 Jul 2020
Translated tax time resourcesWe have developed a range of translated resources to help you and your clients this tax time.13 Jul 2020
Reporting business incomeRemind your business clients about requirements for reporting their income this tax time, including assessable government payments like JobKeeper.10 Jul 2020
What's new in pre-filling?Find out what's new in pre-filling this year.06 Jul 2020
Business transactions through payment systems prefillIf your client has Business transactions through payment systems prefill data, you should check the amount and declare in the appropriate return including confirming it is business income.30 Jun 2020
10 things to know this tax timeTo help you and your clients this tax time, we have put together a list of key information you need to know.26 Jun 2020
2020 Tax Time ToolkitsOur 2020 Tax Time Toolkits provide resources to help you and your clients understand what they can and cannot claim in their income tax return, including occupation-based guides, and tips for rental property owners. Find out what is new in the toolkit for 2020 and share the resources with your clients.03 Jun 2020
Reporting Services Australia payments in 2019-20On 20 March 2020, the new JobSeeker payment was introduced, replacing a number of existing government income support payments. Find out how this affects how you report your clients' Services Australia income for the 2019-20 financial year.03 Jun 2020
Instant asset write-off and the car limitBusinesses are asking how the IAWO applies to vehicles, so we’ve answered some common questions to help your business clients get it right.14 Apr 2020
Tax return status reportsThe Tax return status report has now replaced the current Delayed tax returns over 30 days report.
25 Sep 2020
Extra time for new clientsYou may request additional time to lodge overdue tax returns for new clients or previous clients you have re-engaged. Learn when this applies.14 Sep 2020
Lodgment deferral tipsFollow our tips to help us ensure deferral requests for your clients are processed without delay.22 Jul 2020
Ongoing support for you and your clientsIf you or your clients are having difficulty meeting lodgment or payment obligations, we're here to help.17 Jul 2020
Checking progress of returns onlineSave time and check the progress of your clients' tax returns online, including information about the reasons for unexpected processing delays.13 Jul 2020
Claiming deductions for payments to workersPayments your business clients make to workers are tax deductible only if they have complied with the pay as you go (PAYG) withholding obligations for those payments.24 Jun 2020
JobKeeper Payment integrity checksWe are undertaking a range of activities to maintain the integrity of the JobKeeper Payment.22 Jun 2020
COVID-19 business changes and TPARIf your clients' business has changed in response to COVID-19, they may need to lodge a Taxable payments annual report (TPAR) by 28 August each year. We have resources to help you and your clients understand their obligations, including webinars on how to prepare, record and report.22 Jun 2020
Your lodgment program performance summariesWe will send lodgment program performance summaries to tax agents in late July. This year, we will adjust our support strategies to provide further assistance.09 Jun 2020
Lodgment and payment supportWith a number of deferred lodgment dates approaching soon, there is a range of things you can do online to assist your clients.12 May 2020
2020 FBT returnsRequest a fringe benefits tax (FBT) client list and check which of your clients need to lodge FBT returns this year.11 May 2020
COVID-19 and residential rental propertyWe have developed some information to assist your clients with residential rental property understand their tax obligations during COVID-19. Check our frequently asked questions for help with answers to common questions your clients may ask.05 May 2020
Peak lodgment period deferral requestsWe can take 28 days to process deferral requests at peak lodgment times. Remember, some of your clients may have until 5 June to lodge and pay without needing to request a deferral.01 Apr 2020
A better payment experienceWe have made improvements to our payment processes to make it easier for your clients to pay their tax.
03 Aug 2020
SG amnesty ends 7 September 2020We must receive your or your clients' superannuation guarantee (SG) amnesty applications by 11.59pm local time on 7 September 2020. Check you and your clients have the necessary payment reference numbers (PRNs) required to make payments.23 Jun 2020
Early release of super integrityYour clients may take advantage of the early release of super program during COVID-19. Ensure they understand the consequences of applying when not eligible, the risk of recontributing super to gain a tax benefit, and the 30 June application deadline for temporary residents.10 Jun 2020
Due date for SBSCH paymentsIf your clients use the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH), super payments must be accepted by 23 June 2020, in order for employees' super funds to receive payments by 30 June.
22 Sep 2020
Join us at our online Open ForumsThe schedule for online Open Forums in October 2020 is now available. Find out when sessions will be held and take the opportunity to come and talk with us.18 Sep 2020
A message from Deputy Commissioner Hoa WoodDeputy Commissioner Hoa Wood offers our continued support and commitment to work with the profession and thanks tax professionals for their ongoing efforts.07 Sep 2020
Tax treatment of JobKeeper PaymentsTo help you report your clients' JobKeeper Payments this tax time, we will provide you with a list of your clients who have received JobKeeper Payments as an employer or eligible business participant. Learn more about how to report.07 Sep 2020
Join our live webcast - 17 SeptemberOur next live Tax professionals conversations webcast is on Thursday 17 September. Tune in for information on the next phase of the JobKeeper Payment scheme, and hear the panel talk about how events in 2020 have changed the way we all work, and how we, the Tax Practitioners Board and your professional associations are supporting you.28 Aug 2020
Web changes affecting bookmarks and linksWe have made changes to our website to make it easier for you to find information. These changes may affect your personal browser bookmarks or favourites, and if your practice website links to our web content.24 Aug 2020
Changing business structuresSome of your small business clients may have changed their business structure from a sole trader to more complex company or trust structures over the past few months. Help them avoid common errors.13 Aug 2020
Stop scammers in their tracksPersonal and financial information are frequently targeted at tax time. Warn your clients and protect your practice from scammers.05 Aug 2020
Help if you need itSupport is available if you or your clients have been impacted by COVID-19.20 Jul 2020
J5 fights tax crime for two yearsA new Tax inVoice podcast episode explores our membership of the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (the J5) and what it means in the fight against transnational tax crime. Discover more about the progress the J5 has made in the past two years and the challenges posed by transnational tax crime.20 Jul 2020
Prevent data breachesProtect your and your clients' businesses and know your reporting obligations.07 Jul 2020
Review and update ABN detailsYou can now more easily review, save and print a summary of your clients' current Australian business number (ABN) details via the Australian Business Register (ABR). You can use this summary to review ABN details and keep them up to date.03 Jul 2020
Child Care Subsidy extensionChild Care Subsidy (CCS) recipients and their partners who have not submitted their 2018–19 tax returns can still access their CCS until 31 March 2021. This is not an extension of time to lodge their 2018–19 income tax returns.26 Jun 2020
Are your clients residents for tax purposes?If you or your clients are unsure about their residency for tax purposes, check out our information and tool to help understand their tax situation.22 Jun 2020
How to spot a tax avoidance schemeThis tax time know what to look out for and how to protect your clients from tax avoidance schemes.15 Jun 2020
Eligibility reviews for cash flow boostSome businesses need to provide us with more information before we can determine they are eligible for the cash flow boost. These reviews may cause delays for your clients receiving credits. We have options to help clients with amounts owing while waiting for the outcome of their eligibility review.12 Jun 2020
What's new online this tax timeFind out what's new online this tax time, including changes to our granular data capability from 1 July, and our Communication preferences function in Online services for agents.09 Jun 2020
Preparing for additional cash flow boostsAdditional cash flow boosts will be available from 1 July.09 Jun 2020
Join our live webcast - 18 JuneOur next live Tax professionals conversations webcast is on Thursday 18 June. Tune in for our annual tax time discussion, including how we can support you and your clients in the coming months.02 Jun 2020
Prepare for Tax Time 2020Tax time is almost here. Read about key changes and new measures you need to be aware of when preparing your clients' tax returns and find out how to access forms and instructions.20 May 2020
Online access to deceased estate informationThe use of the Commissioner's Remedial Power to expand access to deceased estate information to appointed agents of executors and administrators of estates, has come into effect as of 15 May 2020.18 May 2020
Eligible employers are now receiving the cash flow boostWhen you lodge an eligible employer's activity statement, in most instances we will apply the cash flow boost credit automatically. Find out what to do to ensure your clients receive refunds as quickly as possible.11 May 2020
Do your clients tender for Commonwealth Government contracts?If your business clients tender for Commonwealth Government contracts over $4 million, remind them that they need a statement of tax record. If they received one last year, it might be time to apply for a new one.06 May 2020
Calculating GST turnover for JobKeeper PaymentYour clients may account for GST on a cash or accruals basis. Find out how they can calculate their GST turnover when determining their eligibility for the JobKeeper Payment.05 May 2020
Identify your client's eligible employees for JobKeeperIf your client has enrolled for the JobKeeper Payment it is now time to identify their eligible employees.05 May 2020
Verify and report scamsYour clients may contact you if they are worried about a suspicious phone call, message or email. Help your clients understand common warning signs, and how to verify and report scams.24 Mar 2020
Rebuilding after a natural disasterWe have updated information you can use when having conversations about property with your clients who have been affected by natural disasters.