Tax professionals newsroom archive
18 Nov 2020
Activity statement notificationsMonthly and quarterly activity statements are available online by the 16th of each month. To find out when your clients' activity statements are due, you can run on demand reports in Online services for agents and your practice management software.16 Nov 2020
Getting the margin scheme rightIf your clients are buying or selling property and thinking of using the margin scheme, they must be eligible before the sale goes through. Find out how to avoid common errors and what to do if your clients make a mistake.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.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.
07 Dec 2020
Renew links and authorisations in RAM before they expireCheck your business links and Basic authorisations in Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM). Renew these before they expire to maintain access to online services.16 Nov 2020
STP data-sharing with Services AustraliaData-sharing through Single Touch Payroll (STP) will change how your clients or your clients' employees will interact with Services Australia, with the availability of pre-filled information when they report their employment income.06 Oct 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.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 Oct 2020
Check income data before lodgingIf we identify income is incorrect or missing from a tax return, we will correct it before issuing a notice of assessment. Help ensure the accuracy of your clients' tax returns to avoid processing delays.15 Oct 2020
2020-21 personal tax cutsThe Australian Government has introduced personal income tax cuts as part of the 2020–21 Budget. They apply from 1 July 2020 and change the rate of tax withheld from employees.09 Oct 2020
Reporting asset disposals for CGTWe are paying close attention to capital gains made on shares, property and cryptocurrency. Remind your clients to report asset disposals to help get their capital gains tax (CGT) right.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.
07 Dec 2020
Updated payment plans to benefit your clientFrom early December you may have noticed a change in our payment plan service. Payment plans have been updated to provide a more tailored plan to better suit your client's circumstances.23 Nov 2020
New supported lodgment programIf you need longer-term help to manage your lodgment program due to reasons beyond your control, we can work with you on a supported lodgment program.10 Nov 2020
Payment due date for company and super clientsSome companies and superannuation funds have a payment due date of 1 December. If your clients have an income tax liability this year, you can check their payment due date online.06 Oct 2020
Non-lodgment advice for business clientsIf your client has an active Australian business number (ABN) at any time during a financial year and they are operating a business, they must lodge an income tax return. Read about when you can and cannot submit non-lodgment advices for your clients.06 Oct 2020
Avoid common lodgment deferral errorsFollow our tips to avoid common errors that slow down our processing of lodgment deferral requests. This will help us respond to your deferral requests as quickly as possible.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.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.
02 Nov 2020
Missed or underpaid superIf your clients missed the 28 October super guarantee due date or underpaid, they need to lodge a Superannuation guarantee charge statement by 28 November 2020 to avoid penalties. You can lodge the statement on their behalf in Online services for agents.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.
18 Jan 2021
Protecting your practiceCriminals will take any opportunity to steal valuable client, staff and employee information from your practice. Find out what steps you can take to make your practice more secure and what to do if this happens to you.18 Jan 2021
Ensure your eligible clients retain SG amnestyYour clients who disclosed unpaid super and qualified for the super guarantee amnesty must pay any outstanding amounts or set up a payment plan and meet each instalment amount or be disqualified from the amnesty.15 Dec 2020
ATO issuing certificates for Travel Agents COVID-19 paymentIf your clients apply for the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program payment you may receive their certificate of tax information. Find out what you need to do.15 Dec 2020
End of year message from Assistant Commissioner Sylvia GallagherIn our last newsletter for 2020, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your dedication and support in what has been a very challenging year. In 2021 our commitment to work with you remains our priority as we continue to provide you with the information and resources you need to support your clients.30 Nov 2020
Annual office closure and systems availabilityOur offices will close from midday Thursday 24 December 2020, reopening on Monday 4 January 2021. Find key information on lodgments and systems during this period.23 Nov 2020
Stay safe from scammersWarn your clients about tax debt scams.16 Nov 2020
Legitimate business bailout or risky phoenixing?In today's challenging economic conditions some untrustworthy advisers may offer inappropriate pre-insolvency advice to your clients. Learn about the red flags your clients need to look out for, and warn them to check they're getting the right business advice.10 Nov 2020
Your clients and the TPRSWe will soon start contacting some businesses and contractors to help them understand the Taxable payments reporting system (TPRS). Some of these businesses and contractors may be your clients, and we will contact you if they prefer.09 Nov 2020
Join our live webcast - 12 NovemberOur next live Tax professionals conversations webcast is on Thursday 12 November. Tune in as the panel discusses how Australia moves towards economic recovery as COVID-19 continues, and explores the future of tax policy based on lessons learned in 2020.06 Nov 2020
PAYG instalments and company tax ratesAn error has been detected for clients' pay as you go (PAYG) instalments for companies that are base rate entities with an aggregated turnover of less than $50 million. This has now been corrected, and we apologise to affected taxpayers for any inconvenience caused.26 Oct 2020
Tackling tax avoidance scheme promotersPromoters of tax avoidance schemes pose a threat to Australia's tax and super systems and threaten the good reputation of the tax profession in the community. We are working hard to identify and put a stop to the promoters and their schemes, and as a tax professional, you are in a unique position to help.26 Oct 2020
More online Open ForumsThe schedule for online Open Forums in November and December 2020 is now available. Find out when sessions will be held and take the opportunity to come and talk with us.12 Oct 2020
Refresh ABN detailsAs the risk of natural disasters increases at this time of year, your clients should check their Australian business number (ABN) details are current and refresh them if needed. Emergency services and government agencies can use ABN details to provide help to your clients in times of emergency.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.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.