The ATO is aware of an issue in Online services for agents where you will receive an error message when selecting to open an activity statement from ‘Not Lodged’ or ‘History’ in the activity statement menu. This issue is also affecting Online services for business. As a workaround, when setting staff Access Manager permissions for activity statements, you also need to give them ‘Revise’ permission to ‘View’, ‘Prepare’ or ‘Lodge’.

They are working to resolve this issue as a priority, and once resolved you can restore staff access to their prior settings.

The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) will soon be commencing a personal tax obligation compliance program. It will start by reminding all tax practitioners of their obligations and will strongly encourage those not meeting their obligations to get back on track voluntarily. Following this educational period, the TPB will commence specific compliance activity focussing on those who choose not to comply.

Bank or credit card statements on their own won’t usually provide enough evidence to prove work-related expense claims. Having the correct records to substantiate claims is essential to prove deductions.

Changes are being made to the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme that may impact some APRA funds from 15 September.

The ATO answer your questions about claiming work-from-home deductions for this tax time.

You can check your annual lodgment performance through Online services for agents.

Changes made to non-individual tax returns and schedules for 2024.

Tips for tax agents to correctly claim deductions for repairs and improvements made to a client’s rental property.

Lodge your quarterly business activity statement (BAS) by 28 July, even if you have nothing to report.

From 1 July, to confirm eligibility for income tax exemption, your NFP clients will need to lodge an annual NFP self-review return. You can lodge on their behalf in Online services for agents. If your clients require additional time to lodge, they have until 31 March 2025. Familiarise yourself with the 3 steps to submitting your NFP self-review return before lodging in online services.