Is your business ready? The ATO is watching closer in 2026

Is your business ready? The ATO is watching closer in 2026

The ATO can now see your bank transactions, contractor payments, even income from Uber or Airbnb – all cross-checked automatically. If something in your numbers doesn’t quite add up, there’s a good chance it’ll get noticed. Here’s what’s under the spotlight this year, and how we help you stay ahead of it.

Does your business “look normal” for your industry?

The ATO compares your numbers against similar businesses – same industry, similar size. If yours stand out too much, that’s often enough to raise a flag.

How BTMH helps: We know what “normal” looks like for your industry, and we review your numbers before the ATO does – so nothing catches you off guard later.

Are your contractors really contractors?

Same hours, same tools, same boss – just paid differently. It sounds harmless, but the ATO can spot that pattern pretty easily these days.

How BTMH helps: We take a look at how your contractors are set up and tell you honestly whether it would hold up – and if not, we help you get it right.

Running a company or trust? Your loans and distributions are getting extra attention.

This year, shareholder loans and how trust profits are shared out are under closer review than usual.

How BTMH helps: We make sure everything’s properly documented and genuinely meets the requirements, well before it becomes an issue.

Got a company car? FBT shouldn’t be an afterthought.

If it’s not tracked properly through the year, it can turn into an unwelcome surprise at tax time.

How BTMH helps: We keep on top of it throughout the year, so there’s no last-minute scramble.

So what does this all mean for you?

Simply put – “close enough” doesn’t really cut it anymore. Clean, well-documented numbers are your best protection, and they also mean you’re claiming everything you’re genuinely entitled to. If you’re lodging your own business tax return, the deadline is 31 October. But if you’re with a registered tax agent like BTMH, you may have more time – as long as you’re on our books before that date.

Let’s go through your numbers together well ahead of any deadline, so there are no surprises later. Talk to BTMH now.

This is general information, not personal tax advice – get in touch and we’ll look at your specific situation.