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Open forums

Register for a tax professionals ATO Open Forum to understand upcoming changes, ask questions and discuss issues.

Last updated 7 November 2023

What open forums offer

Our open forums are interactive webinars, with guest speakers from the ATO and the Tax Practitioners Board. You and your staff will have an opportunity to:

  • hear about the latest updates and upcoming changes to tax and super
  • raise questions and join in discussions about matters of importance.

Your attendance may contribute towards your continuing professional educationExternal Link (CPE) with the Tax Practitioners Board.

How to register

Select the links below to register for any open forum sessions you would like to attend. You will receive a confirmation email with:

  • event details
  • information about how to join using Webex.

You can contact us at atoopenforums@ato.gov.au.

Session dates and topics

Open forum sessions

Session topics

An update from the ATO, Tuesday 8 AugustExternal Link

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm AEST

Lodgment deferral function in OSfA

  • How lodgment deferrals work, which obligations are eligible, and when you don’t need to apply
  • The new lodgment deferral function
  • How to apply and where to find videos and guides
  • What to do if you’re not satisfied with a deferral decision
  • When a supported lodgment program can help

Fringe benefits tax update

  • Motor vehicles and FBT exemptions – know the facts
    • electric cars exemption
    • exempt use of utes, vans or other eligible vehicles
     

Client verification - Tax Practitioners Board

  • Why client verification is important
  • Minimum requirements
  • Required evidence
  • Verifying documents
  • Other considerations
    • clients without conventional identity documents
    • well-established clients
    • record keeping
     
 

An update from the ATO, Thursday 14 SeptemberExternal Link

11:00 am to 1:00 pm AEST

On-time lodgment performance

  • What it is and how we calculate it
  • How you can check your performance
  • What happens if you don’t meet the benchmark
  • Myth busting

Client-agent linking

  • Overview of the client agent linking process, including
    • hints and tips for a successful agent-nomination process with a client
    • support material and processes for agents and clients
     
  • Next steps for delivery rollout

Rental properties - common mistakes

  • An overview of common rental property mistakes
  • Interest expenses and apportionment
  • Initial repairs

Lodge and pay

  • Approach to debt and lodgment - lodgment and lodgment amnesty
  • Payment plans
  • Key messages
 

An update from the ATO, Wednesday 18 OctoberExternal Link

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm AEDT

Cyber security for tax professionals

  • Data breaches – the importance of having a data breach response plan and how to protect and recover from a data breach within your practice
  • ATO impersonation scam observations, education and awareness

Lodgment program due dates for income tax returns (Lodgment Education Program)

  • About the 31 October, 28 February and 15 May due dates
  • How and when to check your client’s due date
  • Troubleshooting if your client doesn’t receive the due date you expect
  • When to apply for a lodgment deferral

Reasonable care - Tax Practitioners Board

  • What does ‘reasonable care’ mean?
  • Your obligations as a registered tax or BAS agent
  • Level of reasonable care required.
  • Examples and case studies

eInvoicing

  • What is eInvoicing?
  • The government’s drivers for change
  • The role of agents as key partners in the adoption of eInvoicing
  • How eInvoicing can benefit agents, saving time and manual processing effort
  • Steps for onboarding clients to eInvoicing
 

An update from the ATO, Tuesday 14 NovemberExternal Link

11:00 am to 1:00 pm AEDT

Small business

  • Updates on budget announcements
  • Key messages for the small business tax season
  • Emerging topics of interest for small businesses and their practitioners

Capital gains tax - common mistakes

  • An overview of common CGT mistakes
  • Pre-fill
  • Residency status
  • Trader versus investor
  • Reporting at correct labels

Lodgment program due dates for activity statements

  • When lodgment program due dates are applied
  • Why some activity statements may not be eligible
  • How to check your client’s due date
  • Troubleshooting if your client doesn’t receive the due date you expect

Lodge and pay

  • Our approach to debt and lodgment
  • Payment plans
  • Key messages
 


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