The director penalty regime ensures that directors are personally liable for certain debts of the company if
the debts are not actively managed. The liability applies to both current and former directors.
To recover this debt, the ATO will issue a director penalty notice to the individual directors. The ATO can then take action to recover the
unpaid amount, including:
These letters are a warning shot and should not be ignored.
IN SOME CASES
In some cases it is possible for the penalty to be remitted but this depends on when the PAYG, GST or SGC amounts are reported to the ATO. For example, in some cases the penalty can be remitted if an administrator or small business restructuring practitioner is appointed to the company, or the company begins to be wound up. However, this is normally only possible for PAYG and GST amounts if they are reported to the ATO within 3 months of the due date. For SGC amounts this is only possible if the unpaid amount is reported by the due date of the SGC statement.
If the unpaid amounts are not reported to the ATO by the relevant deadline then the only way for the penalty to be remitted is for the debt to be paid in full. Winding up the company at this stage will not make the liability of the directors go away.
If you have received a warning letter from the ATO or a director penalty notice then please contact us immediately.
The Northern Territory's commercial property market is experiencing significant growth, with Darwin emerging as a new hub for investors across multiple sectors.
The surge in confidence comes amid February's interest rate cut and expectations of further reductions throughout 2025, creating a more optimistic outlook across most sectors and states.
It’s a powerful question, and one we help clients explore every day. it’s about understanding your whole financial picture and the lifestyle you want to create.
Making strategic investments in new assets before EOFY can position your business for growth in the year ahead.
The investment market volatility that kicked off in March 2025 has felt like a punch, particularly for those in or nearing retirement.
Global markets whipsawed following the “Liberation Day” tariff announcements on April 2, and subsequent developments throughout the month. Volatility was rife and trading volumes were robust.
To be eligible to make a downsizer contribution to your super, you must be aged 55 or older and have owned your home for at least 10 years prior to the sale.
The investment market volatility that kicked off in March 2025 has felt like a punch, particularly for those in or nearing retirement.
Struggling with loan repayments? Discover the truth about financial hardship arrangements, how they impact your credit, and the proactive steps you can take to regain control.
Start the new financial year with confidence. Discover practical strategies to refocus your goals, improve cashflow, strengthen client relationships, and build a smarter, more resilient business.
Avoid common EOFY mistakes with our expert guide for small business owners. Discover proactive strategies to boost financial health and plan confidently for the year ahead.
Passing on wealth is about more than writing a will—it’s about creating clarity, avoiding conflict, and empowering the next generation. With Australia’s largest intergenerational wealth transfer already underway, it’s never been more important to approach succession with care, strategy, and forward thinking.
When someone passes away with superannuation savings, the taxable component of their balance can trigger a 17% tax hit if left to a non-dependant. It’s a heavy financial burden, particularly for adult children. But recent private binding rulings from the Commissioner of Taxation offer a smarter way forward.
A business line of credit can help cover operational expenses like wages, rent, and stock.
A business loan can provide the working capital needed to cover short-term expenses like wages, rent, supplier invoices, or utility bills, without disrupting day-to-day operations.
Large format retail (LFR) continues to stand out as an investment class across Australia's commercial market, with strong yields compared to other assets
Businesses across Australia are shifting from rapid warehouse expansion to strategic consolidation as they face rising real estate costs and normalising e-commerce demand in 2025.
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly—it’s for anyone who wants peace of mind that their hard-earned assets will be passed on the way they intend. Yet, it remains one of the most overlooked areas of financial management.
The commercial property market is showing signs of recovery after a challenging two-and-a-half-year period of declining valuations.
ALL DAY CONFERENCE @ Mornington Racecourse
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In today’s fast-changing world, staying competitive means embracing new trends and technologies. At B.I.T.E.
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Whether you're planning a lap of Australia or a weekend escape, owning a caravan or camper can be a great investment in lifestyle.
One of the biggest benefits of debt consolidation is the potential to reduce how much interest you’re paying.
At the end of each financial year, your accountant prepares essential documents like financial statements, tax returns, and compliance reports. But what brings it all together? That’s where the Management Letter comes in.
Lenders assess defaults on a case-by-case basis. What’s most important is the context surrounding the default and how your financial situation has changed since.
Some lenders will assess your income using Australian tax rates, even if you're living in a country with lower tax obligations.
Under the expanded program, income thresholds will increase from $90,000 to $100,000 for singles and from $120,000 to $160,000 for couples or single parents.
Federal elections have little effect on Australia's property market, despite common perceptions, according to new research.
Treasury has released exposure draft legislation for Payday Super that will require employers to pay superannuation at around the same time as salary and wages are paid to the employee. The changes are proposed to commence from 1 July 2026.
Shannon Smit dives deep into the compelling world of using self-managed super funds (SMSFs) to invest in property. With her signature energy and expertise, Shannon explains the mechanics of SMSFs, contrasting them with retail and industry super funds, and revealing the unique power they offer individuals to take control of their financial future.
What does it take to turn a modest property portfolio into a self-sufficient powerhouse? In this episode of The Accountant That Builds, Shannon Smit invites you into the fascinating journey of property investment, revealing the key steps, strategies, and mindset shifts that can transform two properties into a thriving, cash flow-neutral portfolio.
The Government’s big moment in the 2025-26 Federal Budget was the personal income tax cuts. Income tax cuts are a dazzling headline but in reality they deliver a tax saving of up to $268 in the 2026-27 year, with a tax saving of up to $536 from the 2027-28 year.
Paying off your mortgage is a significant financial milestone, but once you’ve reached the halfway mark, what’s the best next step? Should you continue aggressively paying it down, start investing, or focus on building your superannuation?
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to finance your wedding, the answer is yes. A wedding loan could help cover your expenses while allowing you to spread the cost over time.
Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) offer Australians greater control over their retirement savings, and property investment is one way people can take advantage of this flexibility.
Retail fitouts require a strategic approach to attract customers and drive sales. A visually appealing and functional layout can influence purchasing behaviour, making the investment critical.
Retirement is a major life milestone, and planning for it requires careful financial preparation. With people living longer and enjoying more active retirements, having a well-structured superannuation plan is crucial. If you’re aiming to retire at 60, how much super do you need?
With the right strategy and financial discipline, borrowers can take full advantage of rate cuts and get ahead on their mortgage, potentially saving hundreds of thousands in interest.
Small businesses with a history of non-compliance may be required to transition to monthly GST reporting starting in April, as part of an initiative by the Australian Taxation Office.
How a trust distribution resolution is worded directly impacts the tax liability. It is important not because it determines what is taxable but because it is the basis for determining where the tax liability falls.
The latest Office Market Report from the Property Council has found that CBD office vacancy experienced only a marginal increase from 13.6 to 13.7 per cent over the six months to January 2025.
The Australian commercial property market has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with foreign investment surging particularly in the final quarter of 2024
Commercial property investment is set to surge in 2025, with premium assets in key CBD locations.
One of the most effective ways to gain a competitive edge is by attending business conferences, where industry leaders, experts, and innovators come together to share knowledge, insights, and opportunities.
Equity is the difference between what you owe on the loan and the car’s trade-in value.
Rental growth is expected to moderate to between 3.5% and 4.5% over the next two years, down from the peak of 7.8% observed in March 2024.
Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) offer Australians greater control over their retirement savings, and property investment is one way people can take advantage of this flexibility.
Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) offer Australians greater control over their retirement savings, and property investment is one way people can take advantage of this flexibility.
Purchasing a home as a couple is a major financial and emotional milestone. Beyond simply owning property together, it signifies a long-term commitment to shared financial and lifestyle goals.
The November CPI print showed that monthly trimmed mean inflation decelerated from 3.5% to 3.2%. While services and housing inflation continued the downward trend, electricity prices surprised to the upside after various subsidies came off.
Business owners with private companies must understand Division 7A of the Income Tax Assessment Act when withdrawing funds. Unlike wages or dividends, these withdrawals may be treated as loans or drawings, and Division 7A ensures they are not automatically tax-free, preventing potential tax implications.
Tax planning is more than just a financial necessity—it's a strategic advantage for businesses of all sizes. By proactively managing your tax strategy, you can significantly reduce your liabilities, enhance cash flow, and ensure full compliance with ever-evolving tax regulations.
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