The ATO is stepping up compliance action against businesses that omit income, over-claim expenses and GST credits, or use business income to pay for private expenses.  Common errors the ATO continues to see include:

• not reporting all business income, including cash sales and contractor income;
• paying workers in cash to avoid tax and super obligations;
• claiming private expenses as business deductions, or incorrectly claiming GST credits;
• using business bank accounts, credit cards or assets for private expenses; and
• failing to keep accurate records of business transactions.

The ATO reports that its audits uncovered more than $210 million in unpaid taxes in the 2026 income year.

The ATO also issued more than $50 million in penalties to businesses that deliberately omitted or under-reported income, such as cash payments.

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With four offices across Western Australia and over 20 years of experience, Acclaim Accounting is a dynamic team of highly trained and skilled individuals committed to providing innovative and effective advice, excellent service and maintaining only the highest standards in ethical professional practice.