ATO updates
Frontline services
As of 26 July, we've received over 3.2 million individual lodgments for 2025–26, which is a 4% decrease compared to the same time last year. Over 2.2 million were lodged by self-preparers, and over 990,000 by a registered tax agent.
Last week, we answered over 22,000 calls from registered agents' phone lines, with an average wait time of 7 minutes and 9 seconds.
Key drivers of agent calls continue to be business related enquiries, including GST eligibility and reinstatement, updating contact details and follow up enquiries.
IT system updates and maintenance
All systems are tracking well and operating normally. On Wednesday 23 July, RAM had an unexpected outage for approximately 4 hours, impacting ABR and other related agencies. This has since been resolved.
Digital services
We confirmed digital services are performing well. We confirmed we're also looking into previously raised reports of inactive ABNs being pre-filled into individual tax returns and noted that an inactive ABN would be pre-filled if it was active at any time during the financial year.
Tax time communications
This week’s Tax and BAS agents news featured articles on deductions for rental properties being used as holiday homes, self-education expenses and a scam alert drawing attention to an email from scammers impersonating us.
Registrations are open for the next Open forum on Tuesday 4 August about mental health and wellbeing support for tax professionals.
Last week, our Tax Time spokesperson was featured on ABC news breakfast, WIN News, Yahoo Finance, The Australian, SBS, MSN Australia and Melbourne Insider.
Member comments
Members asked if we've published any guidance or social media content on tax withholding for individuals who receive Youth Allowance whilst also earning employment income, that tax agents can share with their clients.
We confirmed that this message has not been covered specifically in our social media posts this tax time, with regular messaging focused on lodgment.
Our website includes general guidance material on including taxable Australian Government payments in a tax return. We also note that Services Australia has related guidance on their website, including Deduct tax from your payment – Youth Allowance for job seekersExternal Link. We welcome feedback on specific circumstances and will consider potential future message opportunities.
Member insights and experience
Member comments
Members queried whether there is any evidence of individuals claiming the $1,000 standard deduction that does not apply until 2026–27.
We confirmed there is no evidence to suggest individuals are trying to claim this deduction this tax time, or any notable changes to work-related expenses compared to last year.
Members noted that tax agents are finding it challenging to balance the demands of recent administrative and policy changes with their existing workload, particularly where additional time is required on non-billable activities.