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A
  • ABN Lookup

    ABN Lookup is the free public view of the Australian Business Register (ABR). It provides access to publicly available information supplied by businesses when they register for an Australian Business Number (ABN).

  • Activity Statements
    • Adjustments

      How to make changes to current or past activity statements to increase or decrease the amount of GST to be paid.

    • BAS and GST tips

      Tips on preparing and lodging your business activity statements (BAS) and getting your GST information right.

    • Business activity statements

      How to complete, lodge and pay your business activity statement (BAS) or GST/PAYG instalment notice.

    • Correcting GST errors

      Explains when businesses can correct GST errors in a later business activity statement.

    • Fuel tax credits – business

      Information about fuel tax credits for business use of fuel.

    • Instalment notices for GST and PAYG instalments

      Find out about if you’ll receive a quarterly GST or pay as you go (PAYG) instalment notice instead of a BAS.

    • Lodgement and payment due dates

      Lodgment and payment due dates for your clients’ activity statements and information about elections and variations.

    • Simpler BAS GST bookkeeping guide

      This is a general ATO Simpler BAS GST bookkeeping guide for assistance with classifying sales and purchases for GST.

  • Amend Your Tax Return

    Find out how to correct or fix a tax return if you make a mistake or, contact the ATO if they’ve made an error.

  • APRA-Regulated Superannuation Funds

    Services, support and obligations for super funds regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).

  • Assessable Business Income

    Understand which income from carrying on your business is assessable for income tax purposes.

  • Auditors
    • ASIC – about auditors

      Anyone who runs a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) must ensure that a registered SMSF auditor audits the fund annually.

    • Audit documentation

      SMSF auditors, must comply with Australian auditing standards and have sufficient evidence to support opinions.

    • Auditing an SMSF

      What your role and responsibilities are as an SMSF auditor and guidance on conducting audits.

    • Auditing and Assurance Standards Board

      The Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (AUASB) is an independent, non-corporate Commonwealth entity of the Australian Government, responsible for developing, issuing and maintaining auditing and assurance standards.

    • Auditor’s report

      How to complete the self-managed super fund (SMSF) independent auditor’s report (IAR) (NAT 11466).

    • Checklist – what the ATO look for when auditing the auditor

      Checklist of SISA and SISR legal obligations, auditing standard requirements, and documents for review of SMSF auditor.

    • Compliance audit

      Guidance on the minimum expectation of audit checks and evidence for SMSF auditors.

    • Contravention report instructions

      Work out how to complete an Auditor/actuary contravention report (NAT 11239) including reporting criteria and examples.

    • Financial audit

      An SMSF auditor must conduct an audit on the financial reports and express an opinion in Part A or the IAR.

    • Help and resources

      How and where to find tools and resources to use if you’re a self-managed super fund (SMSF) auditor.

    • Independence

      What to understand about complying with independence requirements as an approved self-managed super fund (SMSF) auditor.

    • Professional requirements

      A summary of the ongoing obligations an SMSF auditor must meet, including registration.

  • Australian Taxation Office
    • Advice & guidance

      ATO products will help you understand how the law applies to you. This includes public and private advice and guidance.

    • Annual report

      The ATO annual report informs parliament, stakeholders and the community about their performance for the past financial year.

    • App

      Use the ATO app to access and manage your tax and super on the go.

    • ATO charter

      Read about ATO commitments to you, what they ask of you and options if you are not satisfied under their Charter.

    • ATO community

      Join the conversation and find answers to your tax and super questions

    • ATO held super

      Find out if the ATO holds super that belongs to you, how you can recover and transfer it into an account of your choice.

    • Audits

      Find out how the ATO will work with businesses in privately owned and wealthy groups when they conduct audits.

    • Commercial deals

      How privately owned and wealthy groups can get tax certainty on a commercial deal.

    • Compensation applications

      Any individual or organisation can apply to the ATO for compensation. Find out how to apply and how they assess claims.

    • Complaints and feedback

      See the options available for tax and BAS agents to give feedback or make a complaint.

    • Consultation

      How the ATO consult with the community to effectively manage and shape the tax, superannuation and registry systems.

    • Contact

      ATO contact phone numbers and options for managing your tax and super without phoning them.

    • Facebook

      The official ATO Facebook page.

    • Legal database

      Search the ATO legal database to find law, interpretations and policy that the ATO uses when making decisions.

    • Organisational chart

      Reporting responsibilities within the ATO.

    • Tax crime case studies

      ATO tax crime case studies demonstrate their firm action against those who try to cheat or evade the tax and super system.

    • Telephone numbers (fast key code)

      This is a link to tax agent phone services guide so you can key ahead to options when phoning them and online options so you don’t have to phone.

    • Twitter

      Link to the official (and only) ATO Twitter page.

    • What attracts ATO attention

      The behaviours, characteristics and tax issues that attract ATO attention.

    • YouTube channel

      The official YouTube channel of the ATO

  • Averaging Income
    • Primary producers

      Tax averaging enables you to even out your income and tax payable up to a maximum of 5 years.

    • Special professionals 2024

      Information about types of professional income and how to work out the tax payable with income averaging.

B
  • Bad Debts

    Information about income that cannot be recovered (or a ‘bad debt’) and how to write off a debt as bad.

  • BAS and GST Tips

    Tips on preparing and lodging your business activity statements (BAS) and getting your GST information right.

  • Benchmarks

    Small business benchmarks help you compare your business’s performance against similar businesses in the same industry.

  • Budget 2025-26

    The Treasurer delivered this Federal Budget on Tuesday 25 May 2025. This link takes you to budget and overview documents.

  • Business.gov.au

    Information, grants, services and support from across government to help your business succeed.

  • Businesses

    Top level menu item on the ATO website with tax and super information for business and organisations, including not-for-profits.

    • Accounting methods for business income

      The amounts you include as assessable income in any financial year depends on if you account on a cash or accruals basis.

    • Business industry code tool

      The business industry code (BIC) tool helps you find the correct code to report on your tax return or schedule.

    • Cash & the shadow economy

      What the shadow economy is and how it undermines Australian society.

    • Changing, selling or closing your business

      What you need to know when changing business structure, pausing or closing a business or selling your business.

    • Choice of super fund

      Employers must offer eligible employees a choice of super fund and a standard super choice form.

    • Concessions for eligible businesses

      Eligible businesses can access a range of concessions to help reduce the amount of tax they pay.

    • Depreciation and capital expenses and allowances

      How to claim the cost of capital assets over time, reflecting the asset’s decline in value.

    • Director penalties

      How a director must ensure their company complies with tax and super obligations to avoid personal liability.

    • E-invoicing

      How to use eInvoicing to exchange invoices directly between suppliers’ and buyers’ software.

    • Electronic payment systems

      What to do if you process transactions for business clients through an electronic payment system.

    • Employee or independent contractor

      Work out if your worker is an employee or independent contractor as it affects your tax, super and other obligations.

    • Employers
      • Awards

        Link to the Fair Work Ombudsman website to find out which award covers you.

      • Hiring and paying your workers

        Learn about engaging and paying workers and contractors, reporting though Single Touch Payroll and fringe benefits tax.

      • Hiring employees checklist

        Link to business.gov.au. If you’re thinking about hiring staff for your business, this checklist for small business owners will help you meet Australian laws when hiring an employee. It also includes some tips to help you through the hiring process.

      • Leave calculator

        Link to the Fair Work Ombudsman website with a calculator for annual leave, annual leave loading and sick and carer’s leave.

      • Terminating workers

        Work out a worker’s final pay and entitlements when they leave your business.

      • Working holiday makers

        What you need to do as an employer of working holiday makers (backpackers) holding a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462).

    • Exporting goods or services overseas – what you need to know

      If you or your business exports goods and services overseas, find out how Australian tax applies to you.

    • Franchising

      Tax treatments for franchise-specific payments and transactions between franchisors and franchisees.

    • Home-based business expenses

      How to claim tax deductions for home-based business expenses if you operate some or all of your business from home.

    • Income and deductions for business

      As a business owner, you can use this information to help work out your business income and deductions for tax purposes.

    • International tax for business

      Your obligations if you’re a foreign resident doing business in Australia or an Australian doing business overseas.

    • Large business

      Information on ATO assurance and compliance programs for entities with a combined turnover greater than $250 million.

    • Not-for-profit organisations

      Learn about setting up an NFP, receiving donations, tax and super obligations and reporting requirements.

    • Overseas business activities

      Outlines your tax obligations in Australia if you are an Australian resident doing business overseas.

    • Private use of business money and assets

      You may need to report money and assets taken from your company or trust as income in your tax return.

    • Record keeping for small businesses

      Why keep records, what the law requires, how to keep records, business records you need to keep, other records you may need to keep, record keeping evaluation tool and seeking advice or help

    • Residency

      Work out the residency status of your business entity to determine your Australian income tax obligations.

    • Small Businesses
      • ATO focus areas for small business

        Learn what risk areas the ATO are focused on for small businesses and their approach to compliance.

      • Concessions

        Eligible businesses can access a range of concessions to help reduce the amount of tax they pay.

      • Energy incentive

        Small businesses can receive a 20% bonus deduction on expenditure to improve energy efficiency.

      • Restructure rollover

        Transfer active capital gains tax assets between eligible restructuring entities without tax liabilities.

      • Simpler depreciation rules for small business

        Eligibility for and how to use the rules, such as Instant asset write-off and Small business pool.

      • Small business newsroom

        Read the latest updates on tax, super and registry services for small businesses.

    • Starting your own business

      The key things you need to know and do when starting your own business.

    • Starting your own business guide

      From business.gov.au. Setting up your own business is exciting. But it can be challenging if you’re not prepared. This guide takes you through the main steps of starting a business and helps you understand what’s ahead.

    • Structures – key tax obligations

      See your key tax obligations for a sole trader, partnership, company or trust business structure.

    • SuperStream

      Explains SuperStream – the way business must pay superannuation guarantee contributions to super funds.

    • Update business details

      You’re required by law to tell the ATO within 28 days when your business details change, such as address or associates.

    • Viability Assessment Tool

      Use the ATO business viability assessment tool to help you work out whether your business is viable.

C
  • Capital Allowances

    Top level menu item on the ATO website. How to claim the cost of capital assets over time, reflecting the asset’s decline in value.

    • CGT & depreciating assets

      Explains when capital gains tax (CGT) applies, how it is calculated and the concessions and exemptions.

    • In-house software

      Expenses for in-house software may be deducted in a number of different ways depending on the circumstances.

    • Interaction of tax depreciation incentives

      The information on this page is a guide to tax depreciation incentives and when businesses could consider using them.

    • Simpler depreciation rules for small business

      Eligibility for and how to use the rules, such as Instant asset write-off and Small business pool.

    • Temporary full expensing

      You may be able to claim an immediate deduction for the cost of eligible assets and improvements to existing assets.

  • Capital Gains Tax

    Top level menu item on the ATO website with information about how to calculate capital gains tax (CGT) on your assets, assets that are affected, and the CGT discount.

    • Assets and Exemptions

      Check if your assets are subject to capital gains tax (CGT), exempt, or pre-date CGT.

    • Clearance certificates for Australian residents

      Australians selling property need a clearance certificate to avoid having an amount withheld from the sale price.

    • Demergers calculator

      Calculate the cost base of your shares you hold in companies that have undertaken an eligible demerger.

    • Demergers overview

      The ATO focus on transactions and schemes that exploit the demerger provisions for a tax benefit.

    • Depreciating assets and CGT

      Explains when capital gains tax (CGT) applies, how it is calculated and the concessions and exemptions.

    • Discount for foreign residents

      Check if you are eligible for the 50% capital gains tax (CGT) discount as a foreign resident.

    • Events

      How and when CGT is triggered, such as when an asset is sold, lost or destroyed.

    • Exchange traded funds

      How to treat buying and selling exchange traded funds (ETFs) for tax purposes and what to include in your tax return.

    • Exemptions, list of CGT assets and

      Check if your assets are subject to CGT, exempt, or pre-date CGT.

    • Foreign resident capital gains withholding overview

      Find out what foreign resident capital gains withholding (FRCGW) is and how it applies when disposing of property.

    • Foreign residents and capital gains tax

      Your tax residency may be different to your residency for other purposes.

    • Granny flat arrangements and CGT

      Find out if your granny flat arrangement is exempt from CGT.

    • Home used for rental or business

      Find out how your capital gains tax (CGT) main residence exemption is affected if you earn income from your home.

    • Identical shares

      TD 33 – Capital Gains: How do you identify individual shares within a holding of identical shares?

    • Inherited property and CGT

      Find out if the inherited property is exempt from CGT, and what happens if there was more than one owner.

    • Investors’ (personal) guide 2024

      A guide to your tax obligations if you made a capital gain or loss from shares, units or managed funds.

    • Involuntary disposal of a CGT asset

      How to roll over or defer your CGT liability when your asset is lost, destroyed or compulsorily acquired.

    • Land subdivision and amalgamation

      How to work out CGT when you sell land that you subdivided or amalgamated.

    • Losses on shares and units, when you can claim

      Find out what triggers a claimable loss on shares and units, and how you claim it in your tax return.

    • Main residence

      Find out if your home is exempt from CGT, and what happens if you rent it out.

    • Restructure rollover for small business

      Transfer active capital gains tax assets between eligible restructuring entities without tax liabilities.

    • Rights and options (2024)

      Information about your rights and options (to buy and sell shares).

    • Small business CGT concessions

      What you need to know to access the 4 small business CGT concessions.

    • Trusts
      • Capital gains and losses

        Learn the rules for capital gains or losses of a trust.

      • Non assessable payments (CGT event E4)

        Unit trusts often make non-assessable payments to unit holder.

    • Wash sales

      TR 2008/1 – application of Part IVA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to ‘wash sale’ arrangements

  • Capital Protected Products & Borrowings

    As an investor, you may use a capital protected product to fund the acquisition of investments.

  • Car Expenses

    Deductions for work-related use of your car or another motor vehicle

  • Cash Economy
    • Shadow economy explained

      What the shadow economy is and how it undermines Australian society.

    • Small business benchmarks

      Small business benchmarks help you compare your business’s performance against similar businesses in the same industry.

  • Cash Flow Coaching Kit

    The Cash Flow Coaching Kit is a resource for advisers to help small businesses manage their cash flow and stay viable.

  • Children
    • Savings accounts

      If your child is under 18 years old and has a savings account, find out about quoting a TFN and what income to declare.

    • Shares

      If your child is under 18 years old and they buy shares, find out about quoting a TFN and declaring dividends.

  • Commercial Debt Forgiveness

    Situations where an entity has had a debt forgiven (whether formally or informally) may attract our attention.

  • Commissioner’s Remedial Power

    How the Commissioner can resolve certain unforeseen or unintended outcomes in the law to create certainty for taxpayers.

  • Common Reporting Standard – Information For Tax Agents

    How the Common Reporting Standard affects financial institutions and their clients.

  • Compliance
    • ATO charter

      Read about ATO commitments to you, what they ask of you and options if you are not satisfied under their Charter.

    • Audits

      Find out how the ATO will work with businesses in privately owned and wealthy groups when they conduct audits.

    • Computer assisted verification: e-audit & risk assessment

      Learn how the ATO audit your electronic financial records (e-Audit) using computer verification and risk assessment tools.

    • Data Matching
      • About data matching

        Data matching is an administrative and law enforcement tool the ATO use for education and compliance activities.

      • Data matching letters

        Where the ATO find a difference in details on your tax return and data reported to them, they’ll send you a letter.

      • Data-matching protocols

        The ATO prepare and publish a protocol for each of their data-matching programs to explain the program’s purpose, what data is collected and how the data will be used.

    • Default assessments for overdue lodgments

      Information about default assessments for overdue lodgments and what you should do if you receive one.

    • Information gathering – the ATO approach

      Learn how the ATO approach information gathering as part of their compliance checks.

    • Phoenix activity, illegal

      Find out what illegal phoenix activity is, the warning signs, how to protect yourself and how to report a company.

    • Report schemes and promoters

      How to report tax avoidance or tax evasion schemes and promoters confidentially to the ATO.

    • Tax crime, the fight against

      The ATO commitment to deterring, detecting and dealing with tax crime.

    • Voluntary disclosure

      Your client may ask you to make a voluntary disclosure for them if they have made a mistake or omission.

  • Consolidation

    Explains how wholly-owned corporate groups are allowed to operate as a single entity for income tax purposes.

  • Consultation

    How the ATO consult with the community to effectively manage and shape the tax, superannuation and registry systems.

  • Contractors
    • About independent contractors

      Information on business.gov.au about hiring or working as a contractor, including contractors’ rights and responsibilities.

    • Employee or independent contractor

      Work out if your worker is an employee or independent contractor as it affects your tax, super and other obligations.

  • Correcting Mistakes
    • Activity statements

      How you correct a mistake on an activity statement depends on what tax and year your mistake relates to.

    • Business or super fund return

      Use this information to work out how to request an amendment to your business or super tax return.

  • Crowdfunding

    Crowdfunding to raise funds for a project or venture can have tax implications.

  • Crypto Asset Investments

    How to treat investments in crypto assets (also called crypto or cryptocurrency) for tax purposes in Australia.

D
  • Data Matching

    Top level menu item on the ATO website about data matching, which is an administrative and law enforcement tool the ATO use for education and compliance activities.

    • Data matching letters

      Where the ATO find a difference in details on your tax return and data reported to them, they’ll send you a letter.

    • Data matching protocols

      The ATO prepare and publish a protocol for each of their data-matching programs to explain the program’s purpose, what data is collected and how the data will be used.

  • Debt & Equity Tests

    Explains the tests to work out whether the interest in an entity is considered as a debt or as equity.

  • Debt Forgiveness By Private Companies

    How forgiveness by private companies of debts of shareholders and shareholders’ associates are treated as dividends.

  • Deceased Estates

    What to do when someone dies, getting authority to deal with the ATO, lodging a final tax return, and trust tax returns.

  • Deductible Gift Recipients

    Link to abr.business.gov.au where you can search for DGR endorsement.

  • Deductions
    • Business

      Understand which business expenses can be claimed as tax deductions.

    • Depreciation & capital expenses

      How to claim the cost of capital assets over time, reflecting the asset’s decline in value.

    • Financial advice fees

      TD 2024/7 – Income tax deductions for financial advice fees paid by individuals who are not carrying on an investment business

    • Individuals

      Find out which expenses you can claim as income tax deductions and work out the amount to claim.

    • Occupation and industry specific guides

      Income and allowances to declare and the expenses you can claim a deduction for in your occupation or industry.

  • Default Assessments For Overdue Lodgments

    Information about default assessments for overdue lodgments and what you should do if you receive one.

  • Depreciation and Capital Expenses and Allowances

    How to claim the cost of capital assets over time, reflecting the asset’s decline in value.

  • Deregistering a Company

    Before voluntarily deregistering your company, ensure the company’s tax and super obligations are up to date.

  • Director ID

    You need a director identification number (director ID) if you’re a director of a company, registered Australian body, registered foreign company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation. Find out about Director IDs, who needs to apply and when and lodge an application here.

  • Director Penalties

    How a director must ensure their company complies with tax and super obligations to avoid personal liability.

  • Directors of Small Businesses

    Link to ASIC website with information about being a director.

  • Disability, People With

    If you have a disability, you and your carer could be eligible for tax and super concessions and exemptions.

  • Disasters
    • Individuals

      Find support following a natural disaster event, such as bushfire, cyclone, drought, flood, and storm.

    • Tax professionals

      If you or your clients are affected by a recent disaster event, the ATO have a range of options to help you.

  • Disputes
    • Code of settlement

      Use this code to see the ATO policy on the settlement of taxation and superannuation disputes.

    • Guide to the code of settlement

      Practical examples to assist taxpayers and tax officers in considering settlement.

    • Model settlement deeds

      Model settlement deeds available to download in Microsoft Word.

  • Diverted Profits Tax

    The DPT aims to ensure that tax SGEs pay reflects their activities in Australia and prevents diverting profits offshore.

  • Dividend Stripping and SMSFs

    TA 2015/1 – dividend stripping arrangements involving the transfer of private company shares to a self-managed superannuation fund

  • Dividend Washing in Detail

    Learn about dividend washing – when a taxpayer takes advantage of the special ASX trading market.

  • Division 7A

    Top level menu item on the ATO website explaining what a dividend for income tax purposes under Division 7A is and the effect and tax treatment.

    • Basics

      Review the Division 7A basics and be across the resources available so you can avoid unexpected tax consequences.

    • Calculator and decision tool

      Use this ATO tool to see if Division 7A applies and to calculate the minimum yearly repayment on a complying loan.

    • Closely held corporate limited partnerships

      How to apply division 7A arrangements – closely-held corporate limited partnership to partners or associates.

    • Commissioner’s discretion under section 109RB

      Learn about the commissioner’s discretion to disregard the operation of Div 7A or allow a deemed dividend to be franked.

    • Debt forgiveness by private companies

      How forgiveness by private companies of debts of shareholders and shareholders’ associates are treated as dividends.

    • Distributable surplus

      How to calculate the distributable surplus of a private company and its effect on amounts treated as dividends.

    • Marriage or relationship breakdown – dividends and deemed dividends

      See when amounts from a private company are taxed as dividend or deemed dividend, due to marriage/relationship breakdown.

    • Myths debunked

      Check out these common myths that cause Division 7A mistakes.

    • Trust entitlements

      Work out when Division 7A may apply to trust entitlements of private company beneficiaries.

  • Donations
    • Cultural gifts program

      If a donor gives a culturally significant item to a public art gallery, museum or library they may be entitled to a tax deduction for the market value of the gift. Also, property donated under the program is exempt from capital gains tax (CGT).

    • Deductible gift recipients

      Link to abr.business.gov.au to check DGR endorsement.

    • Harm prevention charities

      Gifts to harm prevention charities may be tax deductible if they are endorsed as a deductible gift recipient (DGR).

    • School building funds

      TR 2013/2 – school or college building funds.

E
  • E-invoicing

    How to use eInvoicing to exchange invoices directly between suppliers’ and buyers’ software.

  • Early Engagement For Advice

    How to request an early engagement discussion to seek advice on a complex transaction you are considering or made.

  • Early Stage Investor Tax Incentives

    Investors who purchased new shares in a qualifying early stage innovation company may be eligible for tax incentives.

  • Employee Share Schemes

    How employee share schemes operate and the special tax treatment which may apply to them.

  • Employment Termination Payments

    Find out what an employment termination payment (ETP) is and what the cap amounts are.

  • Exchange Traded Funds

    How to treat buying and selling exchange traded funds (ETFs) for tax purposes and what to include in your tax return.

  • Exempt, Non-Assessable & Non-Taxable Income

    Amounts that you earn or receive that you don’t need to declare as income.

F
  • Family Trust Concessions

    Concessional treatment applies to some transactions where trusts have validly elected to become family trusts.

  • Farm Management Deposits

    If you are a primary producer with an uneven income flow, a farm management deposit (FMD) account may help.

  • Film Industry Incentives 2024

    Work out if you are eligible for a film tax offset if you invest in the Australian film industry and how to claim it.

  • Financial & Other Difficulties

    How the ATO can help if you’re affected by a natural disaster, a crisis of any kind or in difficult times.

  • First Home Super Saver Scheme

    How you can use some of your eligible voluntary super contributions to help buy your first home.

  • Foreign Exchange Gains & Losses

    The tax rules for gains and losses on the disposal of, or rights or obligations to receive or pay, foreign currency.

  • Foreign Income
    • Businesses

      As an Australian resident, you are taxed on your worldwide income. This means you must report all income you receive from foreign business activities on your Australian tax return. The tax treatment of your income depends on a number of factors, such as whether your activities are carried out in a listed country such as the United Kingdom.

    • Foreign income tax offset

      Check if you can claim a tax offset for foreign tax you pay on income from another country.

    • Functional currency rules, guide to

      Information about functional currency rules, eligibility and the implications for tax accounting and reporting.

    • Individuals

      Check if you need to declare foreign income and pay tax, the tax you pay depends on your residency for tax purposes.

    • International tax agreements

      Information about international tax agreements for both residents and non-residents of Australia.

    • Superannuation & foreign employment income

      Check your super entitlements and deductions on your foreign employment income.

  • Foreign Investment in Australia

    What you need to do if you are a foreign person buying Australian residential or non-residential assets.

  • Foreign Ownership Register

    How the Register of Foreign Ownership of Australian Assets operates.

  • Franking Account

    Read how franking accounts record the amount of tax paid on franking credits.

  • Franking Credit Refunds For Individuals

    Individuals may be eligible for a refund of excess franking credits and there are different ways to apply for a refund.

  • Fringe Benefits

    Top level menu on the ATO website with information on how employers, not-for-profits and government organisations calculate, manage and report fringe benefits tax.

    • Activity statement labels, how to complete

      How to complete, lodge and pay your business activity statement (BAS) or GST/PAYG instalment notice.

    • ATO guide for employers

      FBT guide for employers from the legal database.

    • Cars
      • Benefits

        How FBT applies to cars, other motor vehicles, electric cars, car leasing, car parking and road tolls.

      • Employer guide

        Chapter 7 of the employer guide on car fringe benefits.

      • Exempt car & exempt residual benefits

        PCG 2018/3 – exempt car benefits and exempt residual benefits: compliance approach to determining private use of vehicles

      • Exempt use of eligible vehicles

        Your employee’s limited private use of a ute, van or other eligible vehicle may be exempt from FBT.

      • Reporting exclusion for pooled or shared cars

        Check if private use of a car by multiple employees is excluded from reportable fringe benefits.

      • Simplified approach for employers with 20 or more cars

        PCG 2016/10 – Fleet Cars: simplified approach for calculating car fringe benefits

    • Entertainment-related fringe benefits

      Work out if FBT applies to food, drink or recreation, and any associated travel or accommodation.

    • Living-away-from-home allowance fringe benefits

      Find out about FBT when you pay an employee a living-away-from-home allowance (LAFHA).

    • Overseas employment FBT concessions

      Find out if holiday transport, overseas FIFO or child education for international employees qualifies for concessions.

    • Reportable fringe benefits for employees

      Find out if fringe benefits you receive are reportable and may affect your obligations and government benefits.

    • Road & bridge tolls

      Find out when FBT applies to road and bridge tolls, and work out the taxable value of tolls.

    • Salary sacrificing for employees

      Find out what salary sacrificing is, how to set up an effective arrangement and the tax implications of an arrangement.

    • Work-related items exempt from FBT

      Check which work-related items are exempt from FBT, such as portable electronic devices and tools of trade.

  • Fuel Schemes

    Fuel schemes encourage recycling of waste oils by providing credits and grants to reduce costs of some fuels.

  • Fuel Tax Credits
    • Adjustments and error corrections

      How to make adjustments and correct errors for fuel tax credits on your business activity statement (BAS).

    • BAS, how to complete

      How to record your fuel tax credit claim on your BAS.

    • Calculating eligible fuel quantities

      Methods and measures to help calculate the eligible quantity.

    • Fuel blends

      You can claim fuel tax credits for blended fuels, including common fuel blends, certain other fuel blends and fuel blends used for heavy vehicles for travelling on public roads.

    • Guide for businesses

      Information about fuel tax credits for business use of fuel.

    • Heavy vehicles

      You can claim fuel tax credits for eligible fuels you use in heavy vehicles with a GVM greater than 4.5 tonnes.

    • Simplified fuel tax credits

      You may be able to use simplified methods to keep records and calculate your fuel tax credit claim.

    • Tools

      Use these tools to help you check your eligibility to claim fuel tax credits and the amount you can claim.

G
  • General Interest Charge

    General interest charge (GIC) is applied to unpaid tax liabilities and is worked out daily on a compounding basis.

  • General Value Shifting

    Detailed information about consolidation and the general value shifting regime.

  • Goods & Services Tax

    Top level menu item on ATO website with information explaining how goods and services tax (GST) works and what you need to do to meet your GST obligations.

    • Accounting for GST in your business

      Choosing an accounting method, thinking about cash flow and GST and the advantages of keeping good records.

    • Adjusting for assets retained after cancelling GST registration

      Check how to repay GST credits on business assets after cancelling your GST registration.

    • Adjustment notes

      Generally, you need a valid adjustment note before you can make a decreasing adjustment.

    • Backdating GST registration

      ATO ability to backdate your GST registration is limited to 4 years from the date they decide to backdate your registration.

    • Bartering and trade exchanges

      Barter and trade exchanges are subject to the same income tax and GST treatment as normal cash or credit transactions.

    • Branches

      GST branch is formed when a business entity separately registers its branch to suit the arrangements of an organisation.

    • Cancelling your GST registration

      Make sure to cancel your GST registrations when selling or closing your business.

    • Correcting errors in a later activity statement

      Explains when businesses can correct GST errors in a later business activity statement.

    • Correcting errors in the activity statement with the error

      How to make changes to current or past activity statements to increase or decrease the amount of GST to be paid.

    • Creditable purpose, determining for claiming input tax credits

      GSTR 2006/4: determining the extent of creditable purpose for claiming input tax credits and for making adjustments for changes in extent of creditable purpose.

    • Definitions

      Learn the definitions for goods and services tax (GST) including terms which have a specific meaning in GST law.

    • Digital currency

      How to determine if a crypto asset is digital currency for GST purposes.

    • Employee reimbursements

      Employers are entitled to GST credits for employee reimbursements.

    • Exports

      Work out if exported goods, services and other exports from Australia are GST-free.

    • Financial supplies

      Find out what a financial supply is and how to calculate and report GST on your business activity statement (BAS).

    • Food

      Top level menu item on the ATO website with detailed information about GST and the food industry.

      • Classification guidance

        Discover the guidance and resources to determine the GST classification of food and non-alcoholic beverage products.

      • Detailed food list

        Details of the GST status of major food and beverage product lines.

      • Search food and beverage

        Use this tool to search for a food or beverage product to find out if it is taxable or GST-free. Please do not use the tool if the product is sold as dine-in or hot take away.

      • Simplified accounting methods for food retailers

        Describes the simplified GST accounting methods (SAMs) for food retailers and explains when they can be used.

    • Going concern

      Selling a business GST-free as a going concern.

    • Government agency payments under Division 81

      A guide to Australian government agencies on the GST treatment of taxes, fees and charges under the amended Division 81.

    • Grants

      Information about the treatment of grants for GST purposes.

    • Groups

      A GST group is two or more associated business entities that operate as a single business for GST purposes.

    • GST-free sales

      There are products and services which are GST-free and are exempt from GST.

    • Health

      Use this guide to help you work out what health services and equipment are GST-free.

    • Imported Goods

      Top level menu item on the ATO website describing how and when GST is payable on imports, payment deferral, how to claim GST credits, and importation evidence.

      • Credits for goods you import

        The situations where an importer can claim a GST credit, and examples of when there is no entitlement to a credit.

      • Deferred GST scheme

        Check your eligibility and how to apply for the deferred goods and services tax (DGST) scheme.

      • Low value imported goods

        Information from the ATO on Australian goods and services tax (GST) on low value imported goods (A$1,000 or less).

      • Services and digital products imported

        Make sure to apply GST to sales if your business imports services or digital products into Australia.

    • Industry guidelines

      Detailed information about GST and your industry.

    • Insurance

      Explains how GST applies if you are registered for GST and take out general insurance for business purposes.

    • International freight transport

      Check information about GST and international freight transport.

    • Luxury car tax

      Explains luxury car tax including payments, importation, adjustments, credits, refunds, and record keeping.

    • Medical services supplied to a health service provider

      ATO ID 2003/1157: Is entity A, a health service provider, making a GST-free supply under subsection 38-7(1) of the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 ( GST Act), when it supplies medical assessment facilities and support services, under an agreement with entity B (another health service provider), to enable entity B to conduct medical examinations on clients?

    • Motor vehicle purchase and sale

      How GST applies to the purchase or disposal of a motor vehicle.

    • Non-resident businesses

      Information if you are a non-resident business and you sell goods and services into Australia.

    • Not-for-profits

      NFP organisations must register for GST if their GST turnover is $150,000 or more. GST concessions are available.

    • Property
      • ATO property decision tool

        The GST property decision tool helps you to correctly treat and report GST on property-related transactions.

      • Guide

        Find out how GST applies to property sales and transactions.

      • Margin scheme

        Before selling a property, find out if you can use the margin scheme and how to calculate GST.

      • Registering for GST

        When you may or may not be required to register for GST when dealing with property.

      • Settlement

        Check if you comply with the GST at settlement process when selling or buying new residential premises.

      • Valuation issues

        What to do when an issue occurs with valuations and the ATO position when these issues occur.

    • Rebates

      How GST applies to rebates you pay and receive and other trade incentive payments.

    • Recipient-created tax invoices

      A form you can use as a template for creating a recipient created tax invoice.

    • Registering for GST

      Work out if, when and how you need to register for goods and services tax (GST).

    • Reverse charge in the valuable metals industry

      Reverse charges of GST now apply to all business-to-business taxable supplies of gold, silver or platinum.

    • Ride sourcing services

      GST applies to every dollar you earn as a ride-sourcing driver.

    • Sales
      • GST-free sales

        There are products and services which are GST-free and are exempt from GST.

      • Input-taxed sales

        Check which sales are considered as input-taxed sales, which you don’t include GST in the price or claim GST credits.

      • Taxable sales

        Find out when your business sales are taxable and you include GST in the price.

    • Second-hand goods

      How to calculate and report GST on sales and purchases of second-hand goods.

    • Self-assessment for indirect taxes

      A guide to the self-assessment changes for indirect tax laws.

    • SMSFs – GST and financial supplies

      GST registered SMSFs may be able to claim some of the GST incurred on costs related to financial supplies they make.

    • Specific transactions

      Detailed information about GST and rules for specific transactions.

    • Tax invoices

      Explains when to provide a tax invoice, what it must include and dealing with non-taxable sales and rounding.

    • Time limit on GST credits

      If you’re entitled to a GST credit, you need to claim it within the 4-year time limits for claiming GST credits.

    • Tourist refund scheme

      The tourist refund scheme applies to goods purchased at prices that include GST or WET.

    • Travel agents & commissions

      When and how to calculate GST on travel agents’ commissions.

    • Varying your instalment amount

      You can vary your GST instalment amount for any quarter if you think your total instalments will be more (or less) than your GST liability for the year.

    • Vouchers

      How to account for and report goods and services tax (GST) on vouchers.

H
  • Home Office Expenses – Employees

    Deductions for expenses you incur to work from home such as stationery, energy and office equipment.

  • Home-based Business Expenses

    How to claim tax deductions for home-based business expenses if you operate some or all of your business from home.

I
  • Identity Security

    Learn how to protect your personal identifying information.

  • Illegal Activities – Losses & Outgoings

    You can’t claim income tax deductions for income earned through illegal activity.

  • Imputation

    Explains imputation when paying and receiving dividends and other distributions plus the integrity rules.

  • Income You Must Declare – Individuals

    Work out which income you need to declare in your tax return, such as employment, government and investment income.

  • Individuals & Families

    Top level menu on the ATO website with tax and super information for individuals and families.

  • Industry Guides
    • Insolvency practitioners

      Information for insolvency practitioners on contacting the ATO, your responsibilities and how to use their online services.

    • Legal practitioners

      Information for legal practitioners on the ATO approach to litigation and case law and their consultation activities.

    • Not-for-profit organisations

      Learn about setting up an NFP, receiving donations, tax and super obligations and reporting requirements.

    • Petroleum resource rent tax (PRRT)

      Explains concepts, risks and recordkeeping rules for the tax on profits from selling petroleum commodities.

    • Primary producers concessions

      Explains what is primary production, and the specific rules about reporting and tax concessions for primary producers.

    • Retirement villages and tax

      How income tax and GST apply if you’re a retirement village operator.

    • Tax and BAS agents

      Managing your practice, including administrative information and our approach when contacting your clients.

    • Tax and super professionals

      Information for tax and super professionals.

  • Innovation – Tax Incentives

    Tax incentives are available for eligible investors.

  • Insolvency Practitioners

    Information for insolvency practitioners on contacting the ATO, your responsibilities and how to use their online services.

  • Interest & Penalties

    Learn about interest and penalties the ATO charge and interest they pay on early or overpaid amounts.

  • International Tax
    • Businesses

      Your obligations if you’re a foreign resident doing business in Australia or an Australian doing business overseas.

    • Certificates of residency and overseas tax relief form

      Request a certificate of residency or overseas tax relief form, including information for dual tax residents.

    • Individuals

      Check if you need to declare foreign income and pay tax, the tax you pay depends on your residency for tax purposes.

    • Working holiday makers

      Check about tax, working and lodging a tax return in Australia if you’re a working holiday maker (417 or 462 visa).

  • International Transactions

    Failure to report or incorrect reporting of international transactions attracts ATO attention.

J
  • JobKeeper Payment

    The JobKeeper Payment was a COVID support measure administered by the ATO.

  • JobMaker Hiring Credit Scheme

    Key points about the JobMaker Hiring Credit scheme for eligible employers.

L
  • Legal Database

    Find law, interpretations and policy that the ATO uses when making decisions.

  • Legal Practitioners

    Information for legal practitioners on the ATO approach to litigation and case law and their consultation activities.

  • Losses
    • Business losses

      How to carry forward business losses or offset them against other income.

    • Losses in general

      If you make a tax loss, you can generally carry it forward and deduct it from income made in future years.

    • Non-commercial losses

      See how you may be able to offset your business loss against other income if you’re a sole trader or in a partnership.

    • Offset – loss carry back

      Refundable tax offsets for losses eligible corporate entities can claim for losses in 2019–20 to 2022–23 income years.

    • Trust loss provisions

      Information for trustees who want to use a tax loss to reduce the net income of their trust.

  • Luxury Car Tax

    Explains luxury car tax including payments, importation, adjustments, credits, refunds, and record keeping.

M
  • Managed Investment Trusts – Overview

    What you need to know about managed investment trusts (MITs) and attribution managed investment trusts (AMITs).

  • Market Valuation of Assets

    You must obtain market valuation of an asset when required by tax law. The valuation must be objective and supportable.

  • Medicare Levy

    Find out about the Medicare levy and if you are eligible for an exemption or reduction.

  • Medicare Levy Surcharge

    Find out when you have to pay the Medicare levy surcharge and the income thresholds and rates.

N
  • National Disability Insurance Scheme

    Home page of the NDIS with information about how it works, eligibility, applying and the planning process.

  • Natural Disaster Support

    Find support following a natural disaster event, such as bushfire, cyclone, drought, flood, and storm.

  • Non-for-profit Organisations

    Learn about setting up an NFP, receiving donations, tax and super obligations and reporting requirements.

  • Notice of Assessment

    Your notice of assessment is the statement we issue when your tax return or franking credits lodgment is processed.

O
  • Object to a Decision

    When and how to object to decisions the ATO make about your tax affairs, and which decisions you can object to.

  • Occupation and Industry Specific Guides

    Income and allowances to declare and the expenses you can claim a deduction for in your occupation or industry.

  • Offsets & Rebates
    • Business offsets and rebates

      Includes concessions for small business CGT, primary producers, special professionals and loss carry back tax offsets.

    • Individuals

      Check whether you will receive a tax offset and how to calculate it.

    • Superannuation-related tax offsets

      Check if you can claim a superannuation-related tax offset for you or your spouse.

  • Onboarding a New Employee

    New employees can complete some of their employee commencement forms online, through ATO online services.

  • Online Services

    Use online services to access tax and super records. Find technical support, systems advice and online security tips.

P
  • Parental Leave

    Employees can take parental leave when a child is born or adopted. Rules and entitlements that apply depend on what stage of parental leave the employee is in.

  • Pay Rates & Conditions

    Link to the Fair Work website with information about pay and wages, leave, starting employment, employment conditions, workplace problems and ending employment.

  • PAYG Instalments

    Top level menu item for PAYG instalments. Pay as you go (PAYG) instalments are regular prepayments of the expected tax on your business and investment income.

    • Instalment income from a partnership

      If you are a partner in a partnership, to work out your PAYG instalments you may need to calculate how much instalment income you receive from the partnership.

    • Varying instalments

      You can vary your pay as you go (PAYG) instalments if they are too high or low.

  • PAYG Withholding

    Top level menu item for PAYG withholding. How to calculate, manage and report PAYG withholding tax, including for selected types of workers and foreign residents.

    • Allowances

      Work out the withholding treatment and payment summary or STP Phase 1 reporting requirements for allowances.

    • Annual reporting by agents for clients

      Lodgment due date for PAYG withholding payment summary annual reports if your clients are unable to report through STP.

    • Annual reporting by businesses

      You must lodge PAYG withholding annual reports at the end of each financial year.

    • Changing a withholding cycle

      This information will help you understand the pay as you go (PAYG) withholding cycle changes.

    • Employees, payment to

      Tax file number declarations and withholding declarations help you work out the tax to withhold when paying employees.

    • Investment income

      Amounts must be withheld from investment income if a tax file number or Australian business number has not been quoted.

    • Labour-hire firms and their workers

      Labour-hire firms must withhold tax from payments to workers, regardless of whether they’re an employee or independent contractor.

    • Leave payments for continuing employees

      Check when to withhold tax from advance annual or long service leave payments for continuing employees.

    • Non-Residents
      • Capital gains withholding

        Find out what foreign resident capital gains withholding (FRCGW) is and how it applies when disposing of property.

      • Investment income and royalties paid to foreign residents

        Withholding from interest, dividends, royalties or managed investment trust income you pay to foreign residents.

    • Performing artists contracted to perform promotional activity

      How to withhold tax from payments to Australian performing artists contracted to perform in a promotional activity.

    • Personal services income

      If you or your business receives personal services income (PSI), you may have additional PAYG withholding obligations.

    • Special rules

      Special rules apply when calculating the amount of tax to withhold for certain employees.

    • Tax file number and withholding declarations

      New employees must complete a tax file number (TFN) declaration. They may also complete a withholding declaration.

    • Tax tables

      Use these quick links to find the pay as you go (PAYG) withholding tax tables.

    • Termination payments

      An overview of eligible termination payment lump sums.

    • Travel allowances

      Check what the PAYG withholding implications are on travel allowances.

    • Trusts, closely held

      What to withhold from a closely held trust beneficiary’s payments or entitlements when they do not quote their TFN.

    • Variations

      When and how you as an employee or payee can vary your rate of PAYG withholding.

  • Payment of Tax Debts
    • Debts on hold

      What debts on hold are and how the ATO offset credits and refunds against them.

    • Difficult times

      How the ATO can help if you’re affected by a natural disaster, a crisis of any kind or in difficult times.

    • How to pay

      How to pay the ATO including the easiest ways to pay, other options, details you need and what to do if a payment is missing.

    • If you don’t pay

      Find out what happens if you don’t pay your debt.

    • Payment plan estimator

      You can use the ATO online payment plan estimator to work out a payment plan you can afford.

    • Payment plans

      How to set up a manageable payment plan to pay the tax you owe.

    • Release from tax debts

      Individuals experiencing serious hardship may apply for release from paying some tax debts. The ATO take into account your individual circumstances when considering your application.

    • Release from tax debts tool

      In certain circumstances, the ATO can permanently remove some or all of your tax debt. They call this ‘release’. Please use this tool to determine if you are eligible to apply for release.

  • Penalties & interest

    Learn about interest and penalties the ATO charge and interest they pay on early or overpaid amounts.

  • Penalty Relief

    How penalty relief applies to inadvertent errors in tax returns and activity statements.

  • Personal Property Security Register Search

    A $2 search will show you if the vehicle you want to buy is recorded as free from debt. It may also tell you if the car is recorded as stolen or written off.

  • Personal Services Income

    Top level menu item for PSI. Defines what personal services income (PSI) is and how to correctly record and report PSI.

    • Anti-avoidance rules

      In certain circumstances, the general anti-avoidance rules may apply to your personal services income arrangements.

    • Attribution

      PSI needs to be attributed if it is earnt through a company, partnership or trust and the PSI rules apply.

    • Decision tool

      Use this tool to work out if your income is personal services income (PSI) and if the PSI rules apply to that income.

    • Deductions

      Earning personal services income (PSI) may affect the types of deductions you can claim.

    • Personal service business, self-assessing as a

      To self-assess as a PSB, you must either meet the results test, or meet another PSB test and pass the 80% rule.

    • TR 2022/3 – Personal services income and personal services businesses

      This Ruling is about the personal services income (PSI) rules contained in Part 2-42 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.  It considers how to identify PSI, how the PSI rules apply to an individual or entity and•the application of the personal services business (PSB) tests.

  • Phoenix Activity

    Find out what illegal phoenix activity is, the warning signs, how to protect yourself and how to report a company.

  • Primary Producers Concessions

    Explains what is primary production, and the specific rules about reporting and tax concessions for primary producers.

  • Private Rulings

    Learn how a private ruling provides binding advice on how a tax law applies to you in a specific scheme or circumstance.

  • Property

    Consider your tax obligations if you buy, sell, rent, invest property or land including income tax, CGT and GST.

  • Property Owned By Foreign Residents

    If you’re a foreign resident who acquires an interest in Australian property you have lodgment and payment obligations.

R
  • Real Property Transfers Report (RPTR)

    State and territory revenue collection agencies and titles offices to report on transfers of real property to us.

  • Record Keeping
    • Businesses

      Keep accurate and complete records helps you meet your tax, superannuation and employer obligations.

    • CGT

      You must keep records of all transactions or events that are relevant to working out your capital gain or loss.

    • Digital record keeping for businesses

      Digital record-keeping packages can help businesses meet their tax, super and employer obligations.

    • Electronic records (TR 2018/2)

      This Ruling explains our (the ATO’s) view on record keeping in electronic form for the purposes of section 262A of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (ITAA 1936). It discusses how you must retain and, when required, provide access to electronic records[1], including encrypted records, records created from e-commerce and records stored in the cloud.[2] It applies to individuals and companies carrying on a business.

    • Individuals

      Records you need to show a payment or expense, the format to keep your records in, and how long to keep them.

    • Reconstructing records and making reasonable estimates for businesses

      How the ATO can help you reconstruct records and make reasonable estimates for your business clients who have been affected by the recent natural disasters.

    • Reconstructing records and making reasonable estimates for individuals

      How the ATO can help you reconstruct records and make reasonable estimates for your individual clients who have been affected by the recent natural disasters

    • Small businesses

      Why keep records, what the law requires, how to keep records, business records you need to keep, other records you may need to keep, recording keeping evaluation tool and seeking advice or help.

    • SMSFs

      How self-managed super fund (SMSF) trustees can meet their responsibility to keep accurate tax and super records.

  • Rental Affordability Schemes

    Find out about the national rental affordability scheme and investing in affordable rental housing.

  • Rental Properties
    • Build to rent development tax incentives

      Learn about the build to rent (BTR) development tax incentives and eligibility criteria.

    • Capital allowances vs capital works 2024

      Extract of pages from the ATO’s 2024 rental properties guide with a full list of rental property assets, indicating whether you claim a deduction for depreciation or capital works and in the case of depreciable assets, their effective life.

    • Expenses

      Rental expenses you can and can’t claim a deduction for and whether you can claim immediately or over several years.

    • Holiday homes

      Find out about deductions and tax implications if you own a holiday home.

    • Home rented out

      Income from renting out a room or your home must be included in your tax return. You can claim for associated expenses.

    • Non-resident investor fees

      Work out what fees you must pay as a foreign investor when investing in residential property in Australia.

    • Non-resident owners

      If you’re a foreign resident who acquires an interest in Australian property you have lodgment and payment obligations.

    • Repair or capital 2024

      ATO information sheet for 2024 with information and examples on claiming repairs and maintenance and capital expenditure.

    • Repairs (TR 97/23)

      This Ruling explains the circumstances in which expenditure incurred by a taxpayer for repairs is an allowable deduction.

  • Reports and Returns for Businesses

    How to report your business income and claim deductions plus other yearly reports or returns you may need to lodge.

  • Research & Development

    Apply for the research and development (R&D) tax offset for income years commencing on or after 1 July 2021.

  • Residency – Businesses

    Work out the residency status of your business entity to determine your Australian income tax obligations.

  • Residency – Individuals

    Use these tools and instructions to help work out your residency status for tax purposes.

  • Return Form Instructions
    • Company 2024

      Use these instructions to help you complete the Company tax return 2024 (NAT 0656).

    • FBT 2025

      Instructions for completing your 2025 fringe benefits tax (FBT) return, including examples.

    • Individuals 2024

      The following information will help you complete your paper tax return for 2024.

    • Partnerships 2024

      Use these instructions to help you complete the Partnership tax return 2024. (NAT 0659)

    • SMSFs 2024

      Use these instructions to complete the self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) annual return 2024.

    • Trusts 2024

      Use these instructions to help you complete the Trust tax return 2024 (NAT 0660).

  • Ride-Sourcing

    Understand your tax obligations as a ride-sourcing driver.

  • Rulings

    Find out about public, product, class and private rulings and ATO binding advice.

S
  • Safe Harbour

    The safe harbour provisions aim to ensure the services provided to the public by registered agents are appropriate.

  • Salary Sacrificing For Employees

    Find out what salary sacrificing is, how to set up an effective arrangement and the tax implications of an arrangement.

  • Schemes

    Understand about unlawful tax schemes and their warning signs so you don’t get caught and face significant penalties.

  • Self Assessment
    • Indirect taxes

      A guide to the self-assessment changes for indirect tax laws.

    • Individuals

      Find out how the self-assessment system works and what to do if you need to correct an error.

  • Self-Education Expenses

    Deductions for self-education expenses if the education has a sufficient connection to your employment activities.

  • Self-Managed Super Funds

    Top level menu item on the ATO website about self-managed super funds (SMSFs). An SMSF is a way of saving for retirement. The members run it for their own benefit.

    • Benefit components

      Calculating the components of a super benefit.

    • Benefits (paying)

      Work out if you can pay a super benefit to a member and the types of benefits that exist.

    • Borrowing arrangements, limited recourse

      Guidance for self-managed super funds on how the super law applies to limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBA).

    • Business, carrying on in an SMSF

      SMSF trustees must comply with the trust deed, sole purpose test and other rules when carrying on business activities.

    • Changes to your SMSF

      How to make changes to your SMSF including trustees, directors of the corporate trustee and contact details.

    • Collectables and personal use assets

      Where your fund invests in collectables and personal use assets, this must be for genuine retirement purposes, not to provide any present-day benefit.

    • Contribution reserve stragegy (TD 2013/22)

      Income tax: ‘concessional contributions’ – allocation of a superannuation contribution with effect from a day in the financial year after the financial year in which the contribution was made

    • Contributions and rollovers

      As an SMSF trustee, accept contributions and rollovers for your members from various sources but there are restrictions.

    • Contributions splitting for members

      How to split certain contributions with spouses.

    • Crypto asset investments by SMSFs

      SMSF investment in crypto assets (also called crypto and includes cryptocurrencies) and regulatory requirements.

    • Death of a member

      When an SMSF member dies, the SMSF generally pays a death benefit to a dependant or other beneficiary of the deceased.

    • Deductibility of expenses

      Information about issues you, as a trustee, need to consider when determining the deductibility of expenses of the fund.

    • Early access

      Your super is for retirement, but you may be able to access it earlier on compassionate and other hardship grounds.

    • Education products

      See ATO publications and online education modules to navigate the various stages of your SMSF lifecycles.

    • Electronic service address

      To receive contributions and rollovers, your SMSF will need an electronic service address (ESA).

    • Event based reporting

      Understand when and how to report transfer balance account retirement events and respond to commutation authorities.

    • In-house assets

      Check to see why in-house assets can’t be more than 5% of your self-managed super fund’s (SMSF’s) total assets.

    • Income streams (pension)

      • Rules and payments

        SMSF requirements for paying income stream (pension) benefits to members once members have met a condition of release.

      • Transition to retirement income streams

        Issues an SMSF trustee needs to consider when commencing, running or stopping a transition to retirement income stream.

    • Investing

      You need to manage your fund’s investments in the best interests of fund members and in accordance with the law.

    • Investment restrictions

      Understand SMSF investment restrictions and who related parties are before making investment decisions.

    • Investment strategy

      How to develop your self-managed super fund (SMSF) investment strategy and achieve your investment objectives.

    • Limited recourse borrowing arrangements

      Guidance for self-managed super funds on how the super law applies to limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBA).

    • Newsroom

      Read the latest updates on tax, super and registry services for self-managed super funds (SMSFs) and approved auditors.

    • Non-arm’s length income

      How non-arm’s length income is taxed at the highest marginal rate.

    • Non-compliance

      What responses can self-managed super fund (SMSF) trustees expect from the ATO if they don’t comply with super laws.

    • Ownership and protection of assets

      Manage your fund’s investments separately from the personal or business investments of members, including your own.

    • Record-keeping requirements

      How self-managed super fund (SMSF) trustees can meet their responsibility to keep accurate tax and super records.

    • Regulation of self-managed super funds

      As a key regulator of SMSFs, the ATO can help you understand the role of a trustee.

    • Residency – check that your fund is an Australian super fund

      Your SMSF needs to be a resident regulated super fund at all times during the financial year to receive tax concessions.

    • Rollovers

      What you need to know about self-managed super fund (SMSF) rollovers and how to action them.

    • Running an SMSF

      Share this module, and other ATO SMSF education products, with your clients to help them understand their responsibilities.

    • Transfer balance cap

      How your personal transfer balance cap is calculated.

    • Verification service for rollovers

      Funds that receive a request to rollover member’s super to a SMSF must use the SMSF verification service (SVS).

    • Winding up your SMSF

      Our hot tips on how to successfully wind up your SMSF.

  • Service Entity Arrangements

    Check your business is claiming only deductible service fees and charges for your service entity arrangements.

  • Services Australia
    • Business online services

      Provides a secure and convenient way for businesses and organisations to access a range of our services online.

    • Family income estimate for family assistance payments

      Services Australia use your family income estimate to work out how much family assistance to pay you. This includes Family Tax Benefit (FTB) and Child Care Subsidy (CCS).

    • Guides to social policy law

      Link to Services Australia website. The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

      • Child support

      • Family assistance

      • Paid parental leave
      • Social security
    • Top payments

      The payments and services most viewed by other website visitors.

  • Shadow Economy

    Explains what the shadow economy is and how it affects all Australians.

  • Shares

    Top level menu item on the ATO website about investing in shares. Find out about the tax implications when obtaining, owning and disposing of shares, including receiving dividends.

    • Investing or trading

      Work out if you are investing or trading in shares, and the difference it makes to your tax.

    • Share capital account tainting rules

      Learn about share capital account tainting rules – integrity rules for companies in Division 197 of the ITAA 1997.

  • Sharing Economy

    If your clients are engaged in the sharing economy, include their income and deductions in their tax returns.

  • Single Touch Payroll

    Understand how using Single Touch Payroll streamlines employer reporting to us and other government agencies.

  • Small Business Entities

    Top level menu item on the ATO website about small business entities. Check if you’re a small business entity, a summary of the rules including the 12-month rule and calculating a deduction.

    • Benchmarks

      The 2022–23 small business benchmarks help you compare your business’s performance against similar businesses in the same industry.

    • Concessions for eligible businesses

      Eligible businesses can access a range of concessions to help reduce the amount of tax they pay.

    • Depreciation (simplified)

      Eligibility for and how to use the rules, such as Instant asset write-off and Small business pool.

    • Energy incentive

      Small businesses can receive a 20% bonus deduction on expenditure to improve energy efficiency.

    • Newsroom

      Read the latest updates on tax, super and registry services for small businesses.

    • Restructure rollover

      Transfer active capital gains tax assets between eligible restructuring entities without tax liabilities.

    • Skills and training boost

      Check if you can claim a 20% bonus deduction on certain eligible training expenditure for your employees.

    • Superannuation clearing house

      How eligible employers can pay super for their employees through the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House.

    • Technology investment boost

      Check if you can claim a 20% bonus deduction on technology expenditure to help digitise your small business.

    • Trading stock rules simplified

      If a business’s trading stock’s value has changed by no more than $5,000 you may not have to conduct a formal stocktake.

  • Special professionals, sportspersons and entertainers concessions

    Some special professionals, sportspersons and entertainers qualify for income averaging. This may allow you to pay a lower tax rate in years where you earn above-average income.

  • Sporting organisations

    Sporting organisations are established for the encouragement of a game, sport or animal racing.

  • Standard Business Reporting

    Link to sbr.gov.au. SBR is an enabling technology that can be used in many ways saving the community and government agencies time and money. SBR helps businesses reduce the time spent collating information, filling in forms and submitting reports to government.

  • Statement of Tax Record

    How to get a statement of tax record (STR) from the ATO as evidence of satisfactory engagement with the tax system.

  • Stock
    • Accounting for trading stock

      Explains what trading stock is and that livestock is also trading stock.

    • Obsolete stock

      TR 93/23 – Valuation of trading stock subject to obsolescence or other special circumstances

    • Simplified rules for small business

      If a business’s trading stock’s value has changed by no more than $5,000 you may not have to conduct a formal stocktake.

  • Study & Training Support Loans

    Explains income contingent loans for undertaking higher education, trade apprenticeships and other training programs.

  • Substituted Accounting Periods

    How to apply for a substituted accounting period (SAP), how to lodge a return and what to consider when lodging early.

  • Super Fund Lookup

    Super Fund Lookup contains publicly available information about super funds that have an ABN. It includes super funds regulated by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) .

  • Superannuation
    • ATO held super

      Find out if the ATO holds super that belongs to you, how you can recover and transfer it into an account of your choice.

    • Choice – offer employees a choice of super fund

      Employers must offer eligible employees a choice of super fund and a standard super choice form.

    • Clearing house for small business

      How eligible employers can pay super for their employees through the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House.

    • Comparison tool

      How to use the YourSuper comparison tool to compare super fund products and how they perform.

    • Conditions of release

      How to meet a condition of release to access preserved benefits or restricted non-preserved benefits.

    • Contributions caps

      Contributing more than the caps to your super may mean having to pay extra tax.

    • Contributions splitting for members

      How to split certain contributions with spouses.

    • Contributions surcharge  – information for super funds and professionals

      Calculating the superannuation contributions surcharge, and reporting and payment obligations.

    • Departing Australia superannuation payment (DASP)

      If you’re a temporary resident of Australia, how to claim your superannuation when you leave.

    • Division 293 tax on concessional contributions by high-income earners

      If your income and concessional super contributions total more than $250,000, check if you have to pay Division 293 tax.

    • Downsizer super contributions

      Check if and how you can contribute money from the sale of your home into your super fund via a downsizing contribution.

    • Early access

      Your super is for retirement, but you may be able to access it earlier on compassionate and other hardship grounds.

    • Employers

      “Super for employers” home page. Understand how much, when and how to pay super to your employees. Our guidance includes checklists and an online course.

    • First home super saver scheme

      How you can use some of your eligible voluntary super contributions to help buy your first home.

    • Foreign benefits transfer

      Options for transferring or withdrawing money from a foreign super fund and the tax implications in Australia.

    • Government super contributions

      Check if you’re eligible to receive super contribution payments from the government.

    • Income stream (pension)

      SMSF can pay benefits to a member as an income stream (pension) if the member has met one of the conditions of release.

    • Individuals

      Super for individuals and families home page. How to save for retirement via superannuation, your entitlements and obligations, when you can withdraw your super.

    • Personal super contributions

      How to make personal super contributions, including claiming a tax deduction so they are concessional contributions.

    • Relationship breakdown

      How your super is affected if your marriage or relationship breaks down.

    • Release authorities

      Release authorities are documents we send to super funds to authorise release of money from a member’s super account.

    • Reportable employer super contribution types

      Employers need to know if the type of super contribution made on behalf of employees are reportable or non-reportable.

    • Salary sacrificing super

      How a salary sacrifice arrangement can be used to make voluntary super contributions.

    • Tax file numbers and super contributions

      If you don’t have a member’s TFN, there can be income tax implications.

    • Terminal medical condition

      Information for super funds about making tax-free lump sum payments to members with a terminal medical condition.

    • Transfer balance account

      Check your transfer balance account to see what your super funds have reported and your personal transfer balance cap.

    • Transfer balance cap – capped defined benefit income streams

      How the transfer balance cap rules apply to capped defined benefit income streams.

    • Unclaimed super

      Unclaimed super money are reported and paid to the ATO.

  • Superannuation Guarantee
    • Annual leave loading

      Annual leave loading is included in ordinary time earnings (OTE) unless it is clearly linked to lost overtime.

    • Calculator

      Use the super guarantee charge (SGC) statement and calculator tool to work out your SGC liability for eligible workers.

    • Charge (superannuation guarantee)

      Find out about the super guarantee charge (SGC), including how to lodge an SGC statement by the due date, and pay.

    • Charge statement

      Use this form and instructions to prepare and lodge your SGC statement online.

    • Eligibility decision tool

      Use this tool to find out whether you are entitled to super guarantee contributions from your employer.

    • Foreign employment income

      Check your super entitlements and deductions on your foreign employment income.

    • Liability to pay

      Work out which types of employees are eligible to be paid super and when you need to pay.

    • Long distance truck drivers

      How to calculate super guarantee (SG) and ordinary time earnings for long-distance drivers.

    • Missed and late super guarantee payments

      What to do if you’re an employer and don’t pay an employee’s super guarantee (SG) in full, on time or to the right fund.

    • Ordinary Time Earnings

      Use this list to work out which payments count as ordinary time earnings (OTE) or salary and wages for super guarantee.

    • Salary sacrificing super

      How a salary sacrifice arrangement can be used to make voluntary super contributions.

  • SuperStream

    Explains SuperStream – the way business must pay superannuation guarantee contributions to super funds.

  • System Maintenance – ATO

    Planned ATO systems maintenance windows and how to be alerted.

T
  • Tax & Super Professionals

    Top level menu on the ATO website with information for tax and super professionals.

    • Access manager

      How to manage access and permissions for ATO online services and functions using Access Manager.

    • Adding clients to your client list

      Before any lodgments or requests can be made through the PLS, ensure the client has been added to your client list.

    • Agent client verification methods

      Gives additional context on how agents may perform client verification when engaging with our systems.

    • Agent nomination

      Information for entities required to nominate a registered agent as part of the client-to-agent linking process.

    • Client-to-agent linking

      Information for registered agents about the client-to-agent linking process.

    • Code of professional conduct

      Link to the TPB website with information about the code of professional conduct. The Code of Professional Conduct (Code) sets out principles under five separate categories being honesty and integrity, independence, confidentiality, competence and other responsibilities.

    • Communication preferences

      Communication preferences allows you to authorise your tax professional to tell us where to send digital communications.

    • Complaints and feedback

      See the options available for tax and BAS agents to give feedback or make a complaint.

    • Continuing professional education

      Tax Practitioners Board website with information about CPE

    • Digital services

      Tax and BAS agents can do many of their tax, super and registration transactions using our secure online services.

    • Engagement letters

      Information from the Tax Practitioners Board website. Before you start providing tax or BAS agent services (which include tax (financial) advice services) to a client, the TPB recommend you have a written agreement with the client setting out the terms and conditions of the engagement. This agreement can include a variety of written communications, including a formal agreement, a standard form handout, a brochure, leaflet or electronic communication.

    • File transfer

      File transfer allows businesses and tax professionals to lodge electronic files securely through ATO online services.

    • Liens over client’s property

      Information sheet TPB(I) 02/2011 on the Tax Practitioners Board website with a brief overview of the TPB’s position on claiming a lien over client property.

    • Lodgement
      • 85% on-time lodgement performance benchmark FAQs

        Frequently asked questions about the 85% on-time lodgment performance benchmark.

      • Client declarations and lodgment online

        Find out about signed declarations in writing from your client when you lodge an approved form on their behalf.

      • Default assessments for overdue lodgments

        Information about default assessments for overdue lodgments and what you should do if you receive one.

      • Deferrals

        Lodgment deferrals can help if there are exceptional or unforeseen circumstances affecting lodgment by the due date.

      • Due dates

        Key lodgment and payment dates for clients of registered agents listed by month.

      • Managing your lodgment program

        Find information to help you manage your lodgment program.

      • PAYG withholding payment summary annual report

        Lodgment due date for PAYG withholding payment summary annual reports if your clients are unable to report through STP.

      • Performance calculation

        Learn how the ATO calculates on-time lodgment performance for tax agents.

      • Practitioner lodgment service user guide

        How to use the practitioner lodgment service (PLS) to support your SBR-enabled software documentation.

      • Weekends or public holidays, lodgement and payment dates on

        When to lodge where a due date falls on a weekend or public holiday.

    • My practice

      How to add, remove, favourite and transfer clients.

    • Newsletters

      Subscribe to the ATO’s free weekly e-newsletter, the Tax professionals newsletter, for links to the top articles in the Tax professionals newsroom, and other information updates from their website. BAS agents can choose to receive the full version or a separate, condensed BAS agent edition tailored to their role (or both).

    • Newsroom

      Read the latest updates on tax, super and registry services.

    • Online services for agents (ATO)

      Online services for agents (OSfA) is a secure system for registered tax and BAS agents and their authorised staff.

    • Online services for businesses (ABR)

      Accessing online services with myID and RAM

    • Practice administration

      Learn about the basics of running your practice, dealing with the ATO and what records you need to keep.

    • Practice mail

      Explains how practice mail allows you to communicate with the ATO by a secure email channel.

    • Pre-filling service

      See how the pre-filling service helps to ensure the accuracy of your clients’ tax returns.

    • Proof of identity requirements for client verification

      The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) released Practice Note TPB(PN) 5/2022 to provide practical guidance and assistance to registered tax practitioners in relation to verifying client identities.

    • Tax agent phone services (fast key code) guide

      Fast Key Codes so you can key ahead to options when phoning the ATO and online options so you don’t have to phone.

    • Tax practitioner assistance

      How to use Tax practitioner assistance when you have been unable to resolve matters through other channels.

    • Tax Practitioners Board

      The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) regulates tax practitioners to protect and assure consumers that tax practitioners meet appropriate standards of professional and ethical conduct.

    • Trust accounts

      Information from the Tax Practitioners Board website about holding client money or other property on trust. You must account to your client for money or other property you may receive from your client or on their behalf that you hold on trust for them. This is one of your obligations as a registered tax practitioner under the Code of Professional Conduct (Code item 3).

    • Updating client details

      How to update your client’s details online using the practitioner lodgment service (PLS) or Online services for agents.

  • Tax Crime, The Fight Against

    Explains the ATO commitment to deterring, detecting and dealing with tax crime.

  • Tax File Numbers
    • Businesses

      Sole traders use their individual TFN. Partnerships, companies, trusts and other organisations need a business TFN.

    • Individuals

      How to apply for a tax file number (TFN), update your TFN details, where to find your TFN and what to do if it’s stolen.

    • Super contributions

      If you don’t have a member’s TFN, there can be income tax implications.

  • Tax Schemes

    Understand about unlawful tax schemes and their warning signs so you don’t get caught and face significant penalties.

  • Tax Time Toolkits

    Use the ATO’s toolkits as an educational resource to guide conversations with your individual and small business clients.

  • Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR)

    When your business or government entity needs to report contractor payments and lodge a TPAR.

  • Taxation of Financial Arrangements (TOFA)

    Explains the tax treatment of gains and losses on financial arrangements and the elections (choices) you need to make.

  • Termination of Employment Payments

    Find out what an employment termination payment (ETP) is and what the cap amounts are.

  • Test Case Litigation Program
    • Litigation register

      The Test Case Litigation Register contains information about cases approved for test case funding and their impact and status, cases declined for test case funding and the reasons why and a list of all test case funded matters and their outcomes.

  • Thin Capitalisation

    Explains how certain entities investing or controlled across the Australian border have their debt deductions limited.

  • Trading Stock
    • Accounting for business trading stock

      Explains what trading stock is and that livestock is also trading stock.

    • Obsolete stock

      TR 93/23: Subsection 31(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 sets out the valuation methods available to a taxpayer when valuing trading stock on hand at the end of an income year. Subsection 31(2) gives the Commissioner a discretion to determine a fair and reasonable value of trading stock that, by reason of obsolescence of, or any other special circumstances relating to, the trading stock, is less than the lowest value that could be applicable under subsection 31(1).

  • Transfer Pricing

    What happens if your business has international transactions with a related party.

  • Trusts

    Top level menu item on the ATO website about trusts. A trust is an obligation for a person or other entity to hold property or assets for beneficiaries.

    • Closely held trusts

      Detailed information about closely-held trusts.

    • Division 7A dividends – private company benefits

      Explains what a dividend for income tax purposes under Division 7A is and the effect and tax treatment.

    • Family trusts concessions

      Concessional treatment applies to some transactions where trusts have validly elected to become family trusts.

    • Losses

      Find out information for trustees who want to use a tax loss to reduce the net income of their trust.

    • Managed investment trusts

      Detailed information about managed investment trusts.

    • Reimbursement agreements

      Find out when section 100A might apply to your circumstances, and where you can get more information.

    • Resolutions

      A checklist for trustees who wish to make beneficiaries presently entitled to trust income by way of making resolutions.

    • Splitting – consequences

      Understand how appointing separate trustees over different trust assets may have tax impacts.

    • Tax avoidance taskforce

      The Tax Avoidance Taskforce – Trusts targets higher risk trust arrangements in privately owned and wealthy groups.

    • TFN withholding for closely held trusts

      What to withhold from a closely held trust beneficiary’s payments or entitlements when they do not quote their TFN.

    • Tips and traps

      You should read this if you are a trustee or beneficiary of a trust.

    • Trustee beneficiary reporting rules

      Check if a closely held trust is required to include a trustee beneficiary statement in their trust tax return.

    • Unit trusts treated as corporate entities

      Certain unit trusts are treated and taxed as corporate tax entities.

    • Vesting

      What trust vesting means, what happens when it occurs, and whether the vesting rules can be changed.

V
  • Value Shifting

    Detailed information about consolidation and the general value shifting regime.

  • Venture Capital and Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnerships

    The venture capital programs are designed to increase investment by giving tax concessions to eligible investors.

  • Voluntary Disclosures

    Your client may ask you to make a voluntary disclosure for them if they have made a mistake or omission.

W
  • Wine Equalisation Tax

    Explains WET including credits, rebates and how to report and pay WET.

  • Working From Home Expenses

    Deductions for expenses you incur to work from home such as stationery, energy and office equipment.

  • Working Holiday Makers

    Check about tax, working and lodging a tax return in Australia if you’re a working holiday maker (417 or 462 visa).

  • Workplace Giving Programs

    How to set up a workplace giving program and ask your employees to participate to donate to charities or organisations.

Y
  • YouTube Channel

    The official YouTube channel of the ATO.

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