Australia

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has published updated guidance on applying for a Substituted Accounting Period (SAP), which allows entities to use a financial year ending on a date other than 30 June. This guidance is effective for the 2026–27 income year and outlines the eligibility criteria, application process via the ATO’s online services, and […]

The ATO has issued a specific privacy notice detailing how personal and organisational information collected during Substituted Accounting Period (SAP) applications is handled. The notice, effective from 27 August 2026, references the Privacy Act 1988 and the Taxation Administration Act 1953, outlining the purposes of collection, disclosure permissions to other government agencies, and the applicant’s

The ATO has published updated guidance for foreign persons registering ownership of Australian residential land under the Register of Foreign Ownership of Australian Assets. The guidance, effective for acquisitions after 1 July 2026, details the registration timeline (within 30 days of the event), the information required (including FIRB approval numbers, property details, and beneficial ownership),

The ATO has released specific guidance for foreign investors registering interests in Australian mining, production, or exploration tenements. The guidance clarifies that registration is required for any legal or equitable interest in a tenement granted under Australian mining legislation, including exploration licences, mining leases, and retention leases. The registration must occur within 30 days of

The ATO has updated the user guide for tax agents accessing forms through Online Services for Agents. The guide, effective 27 August 2026, provides step-by-step instructions for locating, completing, and lodging forms such as client authority forms, tax file number applications, and variation forms. It also explains the use of digital signatures and the agent’s

The ATO has released guidance for foreign investors registering registrable water interests in Australia. The guidance covers water access entitlements, water allocations, and irrigation rights granted under state or territory water legislation. Registration is required within 30 days of acquiring the interest, with details including the water entitlement identifier, volume, location, and the foreign investor’s

The ATO has published guidance for foreign investors registering interests in Australian businesses or entities under the Register of Foreign Ownership of Australian Assets. The guidance applies to direct interests of 20% or more in an Australian company, unit trust, or partnership, and indirect interests through interposed entities. Registration is required within 30 days of

On 26 August 2026, the ATO alerted tax professionals to fraudulent attempts targeting their digital systems. Key Takeaways Scammers use phishing emails and malicious attachments to steal credentials. Tax practitioners should update security protocols and report suspicious activity. Disclaimer:This article is compiled and summarized based on publicly available information and is for general information and

Advice published 26 August 2026 outlines steps for tax professionals to guard against cyber attacks. Key Takeaways Implement multi‑factor authentication and regular software updates. Staff training on phishing recognition is essential for threat mitigation. Disclaimer:This article is compiled and summarized based on publicly available information and is for general information and academic exchange purposes only.

On 25 August 2026, the ATO highlighted advantages of timely trust tax return lodgement to prevent penalties. Key Takeaways On‑time lodgement avoids failure‑to‑lodge penalties and interest charges. Prompt filing enables quicker access to refunds and credits. Disclaimer:This article is compiled and summarized based on publicly available information and is for general information and academic exchange