To protect honest, compliant Australian businesses, the Australian Taxation Office has placed a strong emphasis on targeting the cash and hidden economy.
The ATO is visiting businesses that deal predominantly in cash, with a focus on those that:
- Fail to meet super or employer obligations, and that fail to register for GST or lodge activity statements.
- Operate outside regular small business benchmarks specific to their industry.
- Show discrepancies between what they have reported and our collected data relating to electronic payments.
- Operate and advertise as cash only.
- Income does not correlate with the lifestyle of the business owner, i.e. assets and spending habits exceed what is expected of someone with their reported income.
- Are reported to the ATO by members of the community or any third party regarding potential tax evasion.
- Are part of an industry that is known for dealing primarily in cash only.
When out visiting cash-only businesses, the ATO will be working in unison with local authorities and industry associations to asks questions and discuss:
- Why the business operates primarily or only in cash.
- The need to lodge tax returns and activity statements.
- How to be compliant in relation to tax and super obligations.
- Different claims and tax deductions businesses can make.
- The general community preference to have EFTPOS or electronic payment options available to them.
- Benefits of electronic payment and record keeping facilities.
- Relaying tools and services businesses can use if they are struggling to ensure they are compliant with Australian tax laws.
- Any other help they may need.
If the ATO comes across a business that is doing the wrong thing or failing to meet their obligations, they have a duty to take action. This may result in the business facing an audit and possible prosecution.
If you have made a mistake and make a voluntary disclosure detailing your errors, the ATO will work with you to rectify this and create a solution.
