ATO Support for Businesses Impacted by High Fuel Costs

 
ATO Support for Businesses Impacted by High Fuel Costs
With fuel prices continuing to put pressure on businesses, the Federal Government has announced extra support through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). If higher fuel costs have affected your cash flow, you may be eligible for a more flexible ATO payment plan.
 
 
What Support Is Available?
The ATO’s Fuel Response Payment Plan offers eligible businesses:

No upfront payment
Up to 3 years (36 monthly instalments)to pay tax debts
Remission of interest (GIC) provided conditions are met
The ability to vary PA…

Why Getting the Basics Right Matters More Than Ever

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As we move through 2026, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has made it clear that its compliance focus is firmly on the fundamentals. 
Rather than targeting only complex or aggressive tax arrangements, the ATO is increasingly directing attention to: 

Late lodgements  

Poor record‑keeping  

Documentation gaps  

Division 7A issues  

GST errors  

Gaps in governance or internal processes 

In many cases, it’s small and seemingly routine mistakes that are triggering reviews and follow‑up action across privately own…

Payday Super Is Coming – Are You Ready?

From 1 July 2026, the way super is paid is changing. 
Under the new Payday Super rules, employers will need to pay super at the same time as wages, rather than quarterly. Now is a great opportunity to start preparing and, where possible, begin implementing changes early. 
 
What Is Payday Super? 
Currently, most businesses pay super quarterly. From 1 July 2026: 

Super must be paid on or before each payday 

Payments must align with your payroll cycle (weekly, fortnightly or monthly) 

Quarterly super payments will be phased out 

 
What Does This Mean for Y…

Gaining Real World Experience Through the CA ANZ Achiever Program

During her placement, Henny Octavia spent time working across two key areas of the organisation, the Audit Assurance and Advisory (AAA) division and Business, Personal Advisory (BPA) division providing her with exposure to different operational and strategic functions. This cross divisional experience enabled her to develop a broad understanding of how the organisation operates as a whole, while strengthening her technical, communication and problem solving skills. 
The CAANZ Achiever Program provides participants with paid work experience alongs…

Renting out your shack or holiday home and also using it privately? your tax deductions may be at risk

This is the time of the year when many Australian’s head off to their holiday home or shack to spend time with their friends and family. Given the steep rise in property prices, it is common for owners to rent out their holiday homes to help subsidise the significant holding costs of retaining them.  
What might surprise you is the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has issued a new draft ruling that would significantly reshape how holiday homeowners can claim tax deductions. The changes, outlined in Draft Taxation Ruling TR 2025/D1, aim to curb over-claimed e…

The $20K Immediate Asset Write-Off – What Small Businesses Need to Know for 2025–26 Financial

Over the past few years, one of the most confusing aspects for small business entities (and there are many!) is what the applicable limit for the immediate tax write-off for depreciable assets is?  
The rules have changed more than Tassie’s Spring weather and eligibility has been dependent on both turnover and asset value. Asset value’s have ranged from $1,000 to $30,000, up to unlimited (Covid years), then down to $20,000 over the past few years. What is it now?  
 
Well, it had dropped to only $1,000 for this 25/26 financial year, before the Australi…

Gordon Hamilton Wins the Spirit of WLF Award for 2025 

We are proud to announce that Gordon Hamilton has been awarded the Spirit of WLF Award for 2025. 
A recognition reserved for team members who consistently demonstrate our core values and make an exceptional impact on our firm and community. 
Gordon is a valued member of the Audit, Assurance & Advisory team who delivers his role with commitment to quality and client service. His professionalism, integrity, and positive attitude has earned him respect across the firm. 
Through his active role in stakeholder engagement, community initiatives, and a strong com…

WLF Workplace Giving: Making a Difference in 2025

At WLF, giving back to our community is part of who we are. Through our Workplace Giving Program, our team has once again demonstrated that when we come together, even small contributions can create meaningful change. This year, we proudly supported a range of incredible organisations that are making a real difference in areas such as youth development, mental health, accessibility, and vital care services. By pooling our efforts, we help strengthen programs that empower individuals, foster inclusion, and provide hope where it’s needed most.
JCP Youth empowers young peop…

WLF Joins Forces with CBA Hobart at The Mind Games to Champion Workplace Mental Health

Two of WLF’s leaders, Director James Watson and Manager James Day, joined forces with colleagues from CBA Hobart’s Business Banking Team in a team called the “Amortizators” at The Mind Games, Tasmania’sultimate corporate challenge promoting mental health awareness and research. Held at Princes Wharf No. 1 in Hobart, The Mind Games is a high-energy event where 50 corporate teams of five compete in 10 creative, problem-solving challenges designed to test teamwork, communication, and ingenuity rather than physical fitness. The initiative raises vital funds for the…

Late on ATO payments? Why delays are more costly now

When a taxpayer is late paying their tax debt, the ATO has the option to charge general interest charge (GIC). This is currently charged at 10.61% pa. As of 1 July 2025, GIC is not tax deductible.           
In recent years, WLF and our clients have had a good relationship with the ATO. The COVID period saw the ATO relax a little on lodgement and payment expectations, and this assisted us and you, our clients, to manage obligations and, for the most part, recover from that time and meet tax obligations in a timely manner. When payment of tax debts was dif…