The ATO acknowledge tax and super can be tricky and not everyone gets it right the first time, so they have created the Business Assistance Program to help get new businesses moving in the right direction.
The program is recommended if you have:
- recently registered for an ABN
- a turnover of less than $2 million
- registered or intend to register for GST.
The Business Assistance Program offers tailored tax and super support over a 12 month period. The ATO will call you three times to help you understand your tax, super and GST obligations.
Each check-in phone call is an opportunity for you to ask questions about your business’s tax and super needs and to understand how to meet your obligations.
How the program works
Initial contact
Within two business days of submitting the online registration form, you’ll receive an email welcoming you to the program with links to useful resources and information about the program for new businesses.
Check-in 1
The ATO will aim to call you within five business days of registering for the program to discuss your business tax and super needs.
During this check-in they can talk about topics relevant to your business, for example:
- GST and ABN registration
- record keeping
- how to create a proper tax invoice
- when to charge GST
- how to use myGov, myTax and the ATO app.
This is also an opportunity to discuss the information emailed and to get further information based on your initial conversation.
Check-in 2
The next call takes place four months after the first check-in. This is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have on topics discussed previously, or new topics such as:
- understanding your Business activity statements (BAS)
- hiring employees
- Pay as you go instalments (PAYGI)
- super payments.
Check-in 3
The final call will be 12 months after you’ve registered. In this last conversation the ATO will:
- answer any questions you have on topics you need help with
- clarify information already discussed
- discuss how you can access information and support into the future
- ask you for feedback you may have on the program.
Visit the ATO website at www.ato.gov.au for further information of the program.
