Welcome and governance
The ATO Co-chair welcomed members and ATO attendees to the first Tax Practitioner Stewardship Group (TPSG) Tax Time 2025 meeting.
ATO updates
Frontline Services
- Tax time has progressed well on day 1.
- 4,000 calls received from tax agents so far — similar to last year.
- Lodgment numbers are slightly higher but expected to level out.
- A safety net is in place, potentially removed later in the week.
Member comments:
Queries were raised about investigating early lodged returns. ATO indicated decisions depend on circumstances and safety net protections.
IT system updates and maintenance
Enterprise Solutions and Technology reported:
- Good system performance and response times.
- Minor issue with webchat in myTax (no impact on Online Services for Agents).
ATO Digital services
- Operating as intended; no issues reported.
ATO Communications
- Communication strategy focuses on 'Back to basics' themes: record keeping, eligibility, substantiation.
- Outreach includes media, podcasts, webinars, events.
- Updated toolkits: Investors, Individuals, Small Business.
- Encouraging ATO app use with new security features.
- Successful webcast with 2,051 attendees and 132 questions.
Member comments:
Highlighted that 142,000 early lodged returns last year were amended or reviewed — important for taxpayer awareness.
Superannuation
- SG rate increase: 12% from 1 July 2025.
- Applies to payments made on/after 1 July.
- Use 11.5% rate for pre-July payments.
- SG contributions due 28 July.
- PAYG withholding schedules/tax tables updated from 1 July.
- Reminder to update payroll software.
- STP finalisation declarations due by 14 July.
- Must include all employees, including terminated ones.
- Finalise records before switching payroll providers.
Member insights and experience
- Concerns about an ATO LinkedIn poll omitting tax agents as a lodgment option.
- Frustration over lack of recognition of tax professionals in ATO messaging.
- Members urged better engagement through CCWG and TSPG.
ATO response:
- Acknowledged feedback and apologised for the poll’s tone.
- Reaffirmed the value of tax professionals and removed the post.
- Concerns raised about ATO outbound calls requiring full POI during tax time.
- Suggestions to simplify verification through Practice Mail.
- Queries about whether SIC was applied to 142,000 amended early lodgments last year.