Remember, you need to add new income tax clients to your client list by 31 October to ensure they receive your lodgment program due date for their 2026 return. Some new clients may need to complete the agent nomination process before you can add them to your client list.

The fastest way to check the progress of your client’s tax return is through Online services for agents. Checking Online services for agents first will give you the most up-to-date information and may save you and your client an unnecessary phone call.

To view real-time information about your client’s return, including its status and outcome, select: Client Summary > Lodgment > Income tax > History

Phoning the ATO while a return is still within their normal processing timeframes won’t speed up processing. ATO service commitment timeframes allow them to complete most returns without any additional intervention. During this period, their phone staff can only access the same processing information available to you in Online services for agents. They cannot request priority processing or start follow-up action on a return that is still within processing timeframes.

After 30 November 2026, you and your clients will no longer be able to use a credit card to make payments to the ATO. Other payment methods will remain available. This follows broader changes to credit card payment fees in Australia.

When employers need to pay super guarantee under Payday Super, starting 1 July 2026.

Trustees: ensure you’re across the beneficiary TFN reporting changes and are prepared for how to report in 2027.

Here is the latest information for Division 296 reporting for SMSFs.

The ATO is preparing to expand client-to-agent linking to individuals and sole traders when they engage a new agent or change the authorisations provided to an existing agent.

Client-to-agent linking is an important security measure that ensures only authorised agents can access client information held on the ATO record. It reduces the risk of identity-related fraud and gives clients greater control over who can access their tax records. A pilot program is expected to start from March 2027, with full implementation planned for November 2027.

For more information, visit ato.gov.au/CALAnnouncement.

Ask your clients about the use of any properties they own to ensure they are included correctly in their tax return.

Don’t let your clients get caught in a misinformation trap. Set the record straight on the cents per kilometre method.

Tax professionals with foreign resident clients should review the capital gains tax (CGT) changes and new requirements.