ATO updates
Frontline services
As of 23 August, we've received over 5.9 million individual lodgments for 2025–26, which is a 1% decrease compared to the same time last year. Over 3.4 million were lodged by self-preparers, and over 2.4 million by a registered tax agent.
Last week, we answered more than 23,900 calls on the registered agent phone line, with an average wait time of 7 minutes and 30 seconds.
Key drivers of agent calls continue to be follow up enquiries for income tax return lodgments and ABN applications, as well as business related enquiries, including GST eligibility and reinstatement, STP registration and business activity statements enquires.
IT system updates and maintenance
As of 23 August, the financial year to date number of users for the ATO app was over 1.1 million, and over 10.5 million users for Online Services for Individuals. In comparison to last financial year, there has been fewer users logging into Online Services for Individuals, but an increase of 17.8% in ATO app users.
Digital services
We confirmed digital services are performing well, with no material updates.
Tax time communications
This week’s Tax and BAS agents news features information about the opening of consultation on the draft law companion ruling (LCR) for the $1,000 standard deduction. Another highlight included a quick guide to the 5 most common income tax return due dates, and which clients they apply to.
Last week’s newsletter contained important tax time updates including:
- information on a data matching mailout (for taxpayers who disposed of property but haven’t lodged a tax return)
- tips on working out your clients' PHI tax claim code
- availability of the Tax Time open forum recording.
Media activities over the period have predominantly focused on responding to media queries and other opportunities. We’ve continued to post regularly on social media about tax time with strong engagement by users. Posts have covered a range of topics including work-related deductions, myth busters and information on lodging an amendment.
Superannuation and employer obligations
We are actively addressing and managing an issue with pre-fill data for taxpayers who accessed the first home super saver (FHSS) scheme in the 2025–26 financial year. This affects around 16,000 taxpayers.
Member insights and experience
Members raised a previous query on the unavailability of ATO interest pre-fill data. We recognise this issue and confirmed that we're actively working toward a fix. We'll provide further information as soon as it is available.