In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ATO (Australian Taxation Office) has increased its efforts to collect unpaid taxes owed. Indeed, these taxes are owed by individuals, small businesses, and larger businesses.
The ATO says that the total amount of overdue tax debt in Australia is currently around $30 billion. However, it is determined to collect as much of this debt as possible.
In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the ATO’s decision to escalate its tax debt collection. Also, we will explore the potential impact on taxpayers.
What reasons could there be for the Urgency to Collect on Tax debt?
One of the primary reasons for the ATO’s increased collection efforts is the significant impact of COVID-19 on the Australian economy. The pandemic has resulted in widespread job losses, business closures, and financial hardship for many Australians. Consequently, some taxpayers have struggled to pay their taxes, leading to a significant increase in the amount of overdue tax debt.
The ATO has responded by offering support and assistance to taxpayers who are experiencing financial difficulties and unable to pay. However, for those who can pay but have not, the ATO has become more aggressive in its collection efforts.
The accrual of tax debt by businesses is for:
- Superannuation guarantee charge.
- Company Income Tax.
- GST & Activity statements.
- Income tax accounts.
- PAYG withholding.
Secondly, another reason for the ATO’s increased collection efforts is the importance of tax revenue to the Australian government. Tax revenue is a vital source of funding for essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The Australian government is facing a significant budget deficit because of the effects of COVID-19 on the economy. Indeed, the ATO collection of tax revenue is an important job to help address this deficit. As a result, the ATO has become more focused on pursuing tax debts that have been outstanding for some time.
Thirdly, when a large number of businesses are trading while insolvent, they can have a disastrous effect on solvent businesses. Hence, a business that does not pay tax can offer services at a reduced margin and more competitive pricing. Indeed, as customers purchase the lowest-priced items they purchase from businesses that do not pay tax further affecting the economy. Consequently, the ATO pushes to remove these businesses from the competitive environment in Australia as they make the environment non-competitive.
Finally, it has historically been quite common for businesses to use the ATO as a business overdraft. Whereas the business will divert tax money to other business costs such as paying wages or marketing costs. Indeed, this is an easy and cheap method of obtaining business finance. As the ATO General Interest Charge (GIC) on the tax debt is in some cases lower than a traditional business overdraft.
As a result, the ATO is seeking to stop businesses from using tax debt as an overdraft.
Measures the ATO has implemented to tackle the growing Tax Debt
The ATO has also implemented new measures to make it easier for taxpayers to pay their personal and business tax debts. Indeed, these include:
- Providing online services to enter into a payment arrangement.
- Waiving penalties and interest charges for eligible taxpayers.
- Putting a hold on tax debt payments.
- Allowing taxpayers time to pay off their tax debt to avoid recovery action.
However, for those who are unwilling or unable to pay, the ATO has given a warning. Certainly, it will take legal action, including the use of garnishee orders and bankruptcy proceedings.
The escalation of the ATO’s collection efforts has raised concerns among some taxpayers about the potential impact on their financial situation. It is important to note that the ATO tries to work with taxpayers to find a fair and reasonable solution.
For taxpayers who are experiencing financial difficulties, the ATO has a range of support measures to help manage their tax debt. Indeed, you might say that the ATO’s escalation means it has grown a bigger carrot, and a bigger stick.
Your ATO Obligations & Tax Debt
It is also important for taxpayers to understand their obligations and responsibilities when it comes to paying their taxes. This includes keeping accurate records of their income and expenses and reporting all income earned to the ATO. Failure to comply with tax obligations can result in penalties, interest charges, and legal action by the ATO.
Furthermore, taxpayers should be aware of the potential consequences of not paying their taxes on time. Failing to pay taxes can have a negative effect on your credit score. As, court judgements are reported to credit reporting bureaus. Plus, court judgements can lead to further legal action and even bankruptcy.
Similarly, companies can be issued wind-up proceedings, with directors issued with a director penalty notice.
To avoid these consequences, taxpayers who are struggling to pay their taxes should contact the ATO as soon as possible. The ATO has a range of support measures available, including flexible payment arrangements, debt management & payment plans, and financial hardship assistance. The ATO can help taxpayers reduce the effect of their unpaid taxes on their finances. This can prevent legal action from being taken.
What is the Gig Economy and how does this affect Tax Debt Collection?
Another reason the ATO is ramping up its collection efforts is due to the rise of the gig economy. Many Australians are now earning income through gig work. This often means they are classified as self-employed. Additionally, they are responsible for their own tax obligations.
The ATO has launched a crackdown on gig economy workers who are not complying with their tax obligations. These obligations include registering for an Australian Business Number (ABN), lodging tax returns, and paying the correct amount of tax.
The ATO has also been cracking down on international corporations that are not paying their fair share of tax in Australia. Recent years have seen numerous high-profile cases of international corporations avoiding taxes in Australia. They do this by using complex tax structures and loopholes.
The ATO has responded to these corporations by implementing different measures. These include increased scrutiny of transfer pricing arrangements, data matching, and sharing agreements with foreign tax authorities.
Australian Tax Office Improvements in Businesses Reporting
Another factor contributing to the ATO’s increased collection efforts is the introduction of Single Touch Payroll (STP). STP is a new payroll reporting system. Employers must use it to report their employees’ tax and superannuation information to the ATO. This must be done in real-time.
This means that the ATO now has access to much more data about taxpayers’ income and employment status than ever before. The ATO is better equipped to identify taxpayers not meeting their tax obligations. They can also take action to address non-compliance.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is dedicated to working with taxpayers to reach an equitable resolution for their tax debt. This is regardless of the ATO’s increased collection efforts. The ATO understands that many taxpayers are having financial problems because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, they have introduced a range of assistance measures to help those who are unable to pay the debt.
Measures have been implemented to help taxpayers. These include:
- Providing flexible payment arrangements.
- Waiving penalties and interest charges for eligible taxpayers.
ATO Tax Debt Collection Summary
In conclusion, the ATO has decided to increase its collection efforts on tax debt. This is due to several reasons, including:
- People using the ATO as an overdraft.
- The impact of COVID-19 on the economy.
- The rise of the gig economy.
- The need for tax revenue to fund essential services.
- The introduction of new reporting systems such as STP
The ATO is dedicated to helping taxpayers with their tax debt. They seek to find a reasonable and just solution. This may be worrying for some people.
Taxpayers who are experiencing financial difficulties should contact the ATO to avoid legal action and further financial hardship. If the business does not have a tax professional, it is advisable to appoint one.
It is essential to keep in mind that not complying with your tax obligations can lead to bad outcomes. These may include legal action, fines, and even bankruptcy. Working with the ATO and meeting your tax obligations can help you avoid consequences. This also ensures that you are contributing what is fair to the Australian community.
Krishna Murthy is the senior publisher at Trickyfinance. Krishna Murthy was one of the brilliant students during his college days. He completed his education in MBA (Master of Business Administration), and he is currently managing the all workload for sharing the best banking information over the internet. The main purpose of starting Tricky Finance is to provide all the precious information related to businesses and the banks to his readers.
