ATO: Check your clients’ rental income | GST payable | ATO: Top 5 myths busted
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NEWS · Wednesday 23 September 2026
ATO: Check your clients’ rental income and expenses are correct
The ATO has advised tax agents to ask their clients about the use of any properties they own to ensure they are included correctly in their tax return. The ATO also said that it is sending letters to taxpayers where its data shows the rental income they've received is significantly lower than the expenses they've claimed over multiple years. The ATO said that it is encouraging recipients of these letters to review their claims and correct any errors they may have made.
GST payable on supply made under a “Container Deposit Scheme”
The Federal Court has dismissed the appeal of the taxpayer, “a Material Recovery Facility operator under the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS)” introduced by the NSW Government, who objected to an amount of some $161,000 being included as “GST Sales” in its BAS. The ATO argued that the taxpayer made a taxable supply of recycling services to the Scheme Coordinator of the CDS, and that the CDS refund made to it was consideration for the taxpayer’s supply of the particular recycling services to the Scheme Co-ordinator. Accordingly, the ATO said that as there was a taxable supply made to the Scheme Coordinator, then there was no excess GST and Div 142 of the GST Act 1999 did not apply. In the alternative, the ATO argued that if it was wrong on this matter, then the taxpayer had not shown that it had not passed on the excess GST to the Scheme Co-ordinator for the purpose of Div 142. In dismissing the taxpayer’s appeal, the Federal Court agreed with the ATO’s position. (IQ Renew Pty Ltd v FCT [2026] FCA 1393, 22 September 2026)
ATO: Top 5 myths busted – cents per kilometre method
The ATO has advised that most taxpayers claiming car expenses use the cents per kilometre method - but there are some common misconceptions that lead to lodgment errors. In this regard, it has listed the top 5 myths: Myth 1: Claim travel between home and work; Myth 2: Just claim 5,000 kms, no records needed; Myth 3: It doesn't matter what type of lease you have, you can claim car expenses; Myth 4: You can claim the car's decline in value using both cents per kilometre and logbook methods; and Myth 5: You can use cents per kilometre and logbook methods for different periods during the income year to maximise deductions. Accordingly, the ATO has said to always ask your clients how they use their car and check they have the appropriate records.
Upcoming CPD events
AI and Cyber Security: What Finance Professionals Need to Know
September 24, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM AEST
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming the way finance professionals work, creating opportunities to improve productivity, automate routine tasks, and streamline business operations. But alongside these benefits come new risks that many businesses are only beginning to understand.
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Holiday Homes and Short-Stay Rentals: Unpacking TR 2026/1
September 30, 2026 | 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM AEST
The ATO’s ruling TR 2026/1 marks a significant shift in how income and deductions from holiday homes and short-stay accommodation (including Airbnb) are taxed. For tax professionals, the implications are far-reaching — particularly for clients with mixed private and income-producing use.
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Deceased Estates Essentials for Accountants or Finance Professionals
October 8, 2026 | 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM AEDT
When a client passes away, accountants and financial advisers are often called on to assist executors and beneficiaries through a range of legal, tax and administrative issues. This session provides a practical overview of the deceased estate administration process, including the executor’s role, obtaining authority to act, identifying and dealing with estate assets and liabilities, and making distributions to beneficiaries.
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Part IVA Risks for SMEs
October 15, 2026 | 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM AEDT
While often associated with ‘the big end of town’, Part IVA is increasingly relevant in the small‑to‑medium enterprise (SME) environment.
CPD hour Available
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Getting SMSF Market Valuations Right
October 22, 2026 | 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM AEDT
Market value is more than a year-end compliance exercise: it influences contribution strategies, pension commencements, in-specie transfers, related-party transactions, and investment decisions throughout the life of an SMSF.
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Fundamental elements of the tax system – updated following the Budget
October 28, 2026 | 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM AEDT
Join Joshua Goldsmith, Tax Lawyer and Managing Director of JG Tax and Legal, as we explore the fundamental and critical principles of Australia’s tax system following the 2026 Federal Budget.
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ATO broadens its FBT compliance focus
November 29, 2026 | 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM AEDT
FBT is back on the ATO’s radar. In this webinar Paul Mather explains what is driving the ATO’s expanded compliance program, who it is targeting, and what accountants should be doing now.
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