Right to disconnect: Tony Burke defends “reasonable” out-of-hours contact as SMEs demand to see fine print
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke says it is reasonable for employers to email staff and enquire about shifts outside of working hours, as the debate about the 'right to disconnect' heats up.
ATO unveils beta version of “streamlined” website ahead of December release
The ATO has unveiled a beta version of its new website, claiming its refreshed online services will offer "streamlined" navigation and clearer information for taxpayers and tax agents alike.
IR reforms: Penalties dropped and casual rules clarified in win for employers
The federal government has ceded ground to employer groups on contentious IR reform package, agreeing to change key proposals related to casual work.
Doing a ‘DIY’ tax return? ATO says get it ready before October 31 deadline
The deadline for self-lodged tax returns is fast approaching, with taxpayers required to turn over their details by October 31.
“Draconian crap”: ATO commissioner’s “free loan” warning challenged by SmartCompany readers
Australian tax chief Chris Jordan's "unapologetic" focus on small businesses "treating ATO liabilities like a free loan" has sparked a strong response from the SME community.
Failure to lodge penalty amnesty might not spare business leaders from ATO’s ‘lockdown’ director penalty notices
Small business directors who confess their late tax statements under the failure to lodge penalty amnesty program may not be spared from other Australian Taxation Office crackdowns, including the use of 'lockdown' director penalty notices, a leading restructuring expert has warned.
Tax penalty amnesty: 7,200 small businesses come forward in first two months to avoid hefty fines
An ATO amnesty allowing small businesses to lodge overdue tax debts without attracting late payment penalties has proven a smash hit in its first two months, with 7,200 business stepping forward to date.
July 1 legal changes all Australian businesses should know about
The start of each financial year usually brings with a host of tax changes that SMEs need to be aware of, as well a a range of other legal changes that affect large sections of the Australian business community.
Director ID: ATO confirms crackdown on those “deliberately” missing obligations
As company directors scramble to file their Director ID applications ahead of December 14, the ATO says it will consider penalties for business leaders who "deliberately" sidestep the new identification system.
Is your business late on its tax payments? ATO fines will soon become significantly more expensive
Small businesses which fall behind on their tax lodgements can expect their financial penalties to increase dramatically from January 1, 2023, with more rises to follow.
Labor introduces legislation to ban unfair contracts for SMEs, heap $50 million penalties on anti-competitive businesses
Penalties of $50 million for companies found to have engaged in anti-competitive behaviour could soon be a reality, as the federal government tables legislation that could drastically increase the risks of breaching competition and consumer law.
Cash-in-hand leniency is well and truly over, ATO says, after receiving 43,000 ‘shadow economy’ tip-offs
The ATO has unveiled new data on its 'shadow economy' enforcement activities, as it cracks down on unregulated transactions estimated to keep $11 billion from the taxpayer each year.