ATO focus on small business November 2025

The ATO is zeroing in on common business tax errors across industries like construction, IT and professional services, especially for businesses turning over $1M to $10M. From overclaimed deductions to FBT myths about dual cab utes, the message is clear: get it right before the ATO does.
Getting Rental Property Repairs Right at Tax Time

Taxpayers who have had work done on their rental property should ensure the expense is categorised correctly to avoid errors when completing their tax return.
Getting the main residence exemption right

The ATO has the following tips for taxpayers in relation to the CGT main residence exemption.
Claiming deductions in relation to a holiday home
Maximising Holiday Home Deductions A Guide to Valid Rental Expenses Taxpayers should remember that they can only claim deductions for holiday home expenses to the extent they are incurred for the purpose of gaining or producing rental income. They need to consider the following in determining whether the deductions they wish to claim are valid […]
Taxpayers need to get their rental right
Important Tax Considerations for Rental Property Owners Reporting Rental Income and Managing Rental Expenses The ATO reminds rental property owners and their tax agents to take care when lodging their tax returns this tax time. When preparing their tax returns, taxpayers should make sure all rental income is included, including income from short-term rental arrangements, […]
ATO gives ‘green light’ to lodge
ATO’s Tax Filing Guidance for Simple Affairs Timely Tips for Taxpayers and Key Information on Lodging Income Tax Returns The ATO is giving taxpayers with simple affairs the ‘green light’ to lodge their annual income tax returns. ATO Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh said that most taxpayers with simple affairs will find the information they need […]
In the ATO’s sights this Tax Time
The ATO has announced its three key focus areas for this Tax Time Make sure you are up to date as necessary The areas of focus are: rental property deductions; work-related expenses; and capital gains tax. ATO Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh said the ATO is continuing to prioritise areas where they often see mistakes being […]
Residential investment property loan data-matching program
ATO to Acquire Residential Investment Property Loan Data for Compliance and Analytical Purposes Scope, Utilisation, and Implications of the ATO’s Data-Matching Initiative for the 2021/22-2025/26 Financial Years The ATO has advised that it will acquire residential investment property loan data from authorised financial institutions for the 2021/22 through to 2025/26 financial years, including: client identification […]
Rental properties and second-hand depreciating assets
Be aware of the tax rules surrounding ‘second-hand depreciating assets’ The ATO is reminding taxpayers that have a residential rental property, to take care when making claims for second-hand depreciating assets used in their properties. In most cases, these are items that existed in the taxpayer’s property when they purchased it, or were in their […]
Rental property income and deductions focus
Tax time focus on rental property income and deductions The ATO is focusing on four major concerns this tax season when it comes to rental properties. Concern 1: Include all rental income When preparing tax returns, make sure all rental income is included, such as from short-term rental arrangements, renting part of a home, and […]