The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has updated its tax-time primer for small businesses, covering everything from expense claims and record-keeping rules through to the launch of payday super.
With just a handful of weeks until the end of financial year, the ATO on Friday published its latest toolkit for small businesses, a 30-page document guiding traders through their rights and obligations.
The toolkit also includes links to the ATO’s self-guided courses, calculators, and online community portal, making it easier for small businesses to find and access essential information.
Related Article Block Placeholder
Article ID: 337989
“Small businesses are a critical part of the Australian economy and we know how much effort goes into keeping them running,” said ATO assistant commissioner Angela Allen, in a statement provided to SmartCompany.
“Our goal is to make it easier for small business owners to get their tax and super right, so they can focus on growing and building resilience for the long-term.”
Smarter business news. Straight to your inbox.
For startup founders, small businesses and leaders. Build sharper instincts and better strategy by learning from Australia’s smartest business minds. Sign up for free.
By continuing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Of course, the ATO’s other goal is to make sure businesses pay what they owe.
The toolkit states the small business tax gap — that is, the difference between what those entities owe and what has actually been paid — stands at $27.2 billion, showing exactly why the tax office wants small businesses to have adequate tax-time information at their disposal.
Leading the document is a reminder of payday super, which comes into effect from July 1, and will require employers to pay their workers’ Superannuation Guarantee amounts at the same time as regular wages.
The toolkit runs through important reforms, including the charges that will apply to overdue super amounts and the impending closure of the Small Business Super Clearing House.
“We know Payday Super will be a shift for those small businesses not already paying on pay day,” said Allen, who pointed traders to the ATO’s broader payday super resources.
Related Article Block Placeholder
Article ID: 337789
The toolkit reminds small business taxpayers that the general interest charge and shortfall interest charge are no longer tax-deductible, which could bring a sting to businesses paying off those charges.
“We understand small businesses can face unexpected pressures but by lodging and paying on time and in full, you can avoid interest and minimise the time and costs associated with managing compliance impacts, allowing you to focus on your business priorities,” said Allen.
And sole traders will have access to pre-filled information in their returns, with the intent of streamlining the tax return process.
Beyond those updates for tax time 2026, the toolkit runs through home-based business expenses, ways to calculate claims related to vehicle and travel expenses, and information on the tax treatment of software subscriptions.
It calls on entrepreneurs who run a business from home to consider the potential capital gains tax (CGT) implications of selling the property — an issue that may become more prominent given the federal government’s CGT reform plans.
Further, the toolkit provides a high-level overview of the tax implications of drawing money from a business run through a company or trust structure.
And given the tumultuous circumstances facing many small businesses — to say nothing of the tax office’s increasing debt collection activities — the toolkit offers insight to founders looking to cease operations.
Small businesses looking to learn more can access the updated information here.
