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The ATO is increasing its focus on small business compliance. Here are five practical steps to help your business stay compliant and avoid unnecessary penalties.
ATO Compliance Crackdown: 5 Steps Small Businesses Should Take The Australian Taxation Office is increasing its focus on small business compliance. As Angela Allen, Assistant Commissioner at the ATO, recently noted: “Every year we see small businesses run into avoidable issues because they haven’t kept accurate records, reported all their income or managed their cashflow effectively.” For many businesses the issue is not deliberate non-compliance, but simply poor systems, wea
Lockwood and Ward
Mar 312 min read


ATO Targets SMSF Lodgements in 2026
Compliance Focus The ATO has confirmed that outstanding SMSF lodgements are a key compliance priority in 2026 . As of 31 December 2025, more than 93,000 SMSFs had one or more overdue lodgements , including roughly 20,000 funds that have never lodged an annual return . Why Lodgement Matters The regulator emphasises that lodgement is the cornerstone of compliance . Timely reporting demonstrates that trustees are meeting their obligations and enables the ATO to monitor the integ
Lockwood and Ward
Mar 192 min read


SMSF Growth Continues Despite Regulatory Uncertainty
Demand for Control Over Super Despite ongoing discussion about superannuation policy and potential tax changes, demand for Self‑Managed Super Funds continues to grow. For many Australians, the attraction lies in control over investments, strategy and long‑term retirement planning. Strongest Growth in Years Almost 14,500 SMSFs were established in the first quarter of FY2026 alone, making it one of the strongest quarters recorded since the ATO began reporting the data in 2012.
Lockwood and Ward
Mar 91 min read


Holiday cash flow for your small business
Are you heading away for a break from the business this year? This time of year can be hard on small business. Your expenses continue and your cashflow can suffer when your debtors go on holiday. Leading up to the holiday period, is your business cash flow in good health to carry you through? With a bit of pre-planning and being proactive, you can set yourself up for a financially stress-free holiday. Planning your cash-flow over the holiday period Invoice early - Send any i
Lockwood and Ward
Mar 92 min read
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