ATO updates
Frontline services
As of 20 July, we have received over 2.5 million individual lodgments for Tax Time 2026. This lodgment volume is a 3% decrease compared to the same time last year. Over 1.8 million were lodged by self-preparers, and over 668,000 by a registered tax agent.
Last week, we answered over 22,000 calls from the registered agent phone lines, with an average wait time of 7 minutes and 19 seconds.
Key drivers of agent calls continue to be business related enquiries, including GST eligibility and reinstatement, updating contact details and follow up enquiries.
Member comments
Members provided feedback on the new pre-fill for business functionality.
IT system updates and maintenance
All systems are tracking green and operating normally with no outages logged. Work was completed over the weekend, which has had no impact on the usability of our online systems.
Digital services
We confirmed digital services are performing well.
Tax time communications
The volume of tax time related communications from us has eased following the initial surge at the commencement of the lodgment period.
This week’s Tax and BAS agent news featured articles on claiming occupancy expenses while WFH, the study and training loan repayment threshold, availability of ATO interest pre-fill data, checking property manager reports to reduce incorrect claims, and calculating annual lodgment performance.
Our Tax Time spokesperson recorded a Tax tales podcastExternal Link with Robyn Jacobson, Senior Advocate from the National Tax & Accountants’ Association.
Our ‘Green light to lodge’ media release is planned for next week. This will include messages on engaging with a tax professional by 31 October and checking if they are registeredExternal Link with the Tax Practitioners Board.
Our Payday Super Myth busters post has received 215,000 views to date.
Member comments
Members raised concerns around our messaging encouraging taxpayers to engage a tax agent by 31 October. They noted that tax agents take on new clients throughout the year and this messaging is not consistent with the support tax agents can provide. Members emphasised that tax obligations are not always front of mind, particularly for individuals experiencing vulnerability. Instead of referencing a specific date to engage a registered tax agent, communications should focus on encouraging taxpayers who need support to seek assistance from a registered tax agent to help them meet their obligations on time.
We acknowledged that the wording could be refined where appropriate. However, we reiterated that 31 October remains a key lodgment deadline for taxpayers who have not engaged a registered tax agent. We noted that missing this deadline may result in consequences for taxpayers and that its communications must clearly convey these obligations and associated timeframes.
Member insights and experience
Member comments
Members provided feedback on Payday Super myth busters. We welcomed this feedback and will consider where improvements can be made.
Members also provided feedback regarding Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) nudge emails, which don't include client-identifying information. We acknowledged this feedback and highlighted that there are significant challenges associated with including client-identifying information in email correspondence. We advised that we would explore opportunities to improve these communications where possible.