Eagle Accounting

ATO EXPANDS MOTOR VEHICLE DATA MATCHING PROGRAM

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced it will continue its motor vehicle registries data-matching program through to the 2029-30 financial year.

Under the program, the ATO is collecting registration and transaction information from state and territory vehicle registry authorities. The information is used to identify cases that may require tax compliance action.

If you claim motor vehicle expenses, use vehicles within your business, or buy and sell vehicles through a business structure, it's important to ensure your records and tax reporting are accurate and up to date.

✅ Keep detailed records of vehicle purchases and sales
✅ Keep a logbook to ensure business and personal vehicle use is correctly documented
✅ Review any motor vehicle claims before lodging your tax return

For more information about the ATO's data-matching programs and your tax obligations, visit https://www.ato.gov.au

✨ SHINE THE SPOTLIGHT: ORR MADE ✨

This month, we're proud to shine the spotlight on Orr Made, a Far North Queensland interior design and construction company led by husband-and-wife team Rhiannon and Matt Orr.

With a shared passion for creating beautiful, liveable homes, Rhiannon and Matt combine thoughtful, conscious design with exceptional craftsmanship to deliver spaces that are both functional and deeply personal. Their unique integrated approach guides clients seamlessly from the initial concept right through to project completion, ensuring every detail is carefully considered along the way.

At Orr Made, it's not just about building homes, it's about creating spaces that truly reflect the people who live in them.

We're delighted to feature this talented local business and the amazing work they do across Far North Queensland.

Learn more about Orr Made and their inspiring projects by following their page: https://www.instagram.com/orr_made/

FUEL TAX CREDIT RATES HAVE INCREASED

To make sure you're claiming correctly:

• Check your eligibility
• Keep accurate fuel records
• Apply the correct rate when completing your BAS
• Use the ATO Fuel Tax Credit Calculator

For more information and access to the calculator, visit:

https://www.ato.gov.au/calculators-and-tools/fuel-tax-credit-tools

REMINDER: TPAR DUE 28 AUGUST

Yes, you might!

If your business pays contractors for providing certain services on your behalf, you may need to lodge a Taxable payments annual report (TPAR).

It tells us who you paid and how much you paid them.

You may need to lodge if you paid contractors for:

🚧 building and construction
🧹 cleaning
🚚 courier and road freight
💻 IT
🛡️ surveillance, investigation or security.

Check to see if it applies to your business, and lodge online by 28 August.

CARD PAYMENT SURCHARGES CHANGING FROM 1 OCTOBER 2026

From 1 October 2026 businesses will no longer be permitted to charge customers a surcharge on payments made using debit, credit or prepaid cards

What businesses should do now:
• Review your current surcharge practices.
• Consider whether card processing costs need to be factored into your pricing model.
• Speak with your merchant facility or payment provider about how these changes may affect your business.

For now, current rules still apply. Businesses can continue charging card surcharges, however the surcharge must not exceed the actual cost of accepting that payment type.
It's important for small business owners to start planning ahead so there are no surprises when the new rules commence.

For more information, visit the ACCC website: https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/pricing/card-surcharges

✨ Shine the Spotlight: Tropical Kids Swim School ✨

We’re excited to showcase one of our fantastic clients, as the first in a series of SPOTLIGHTS !

👇 Hear from our client:
At Tropical Kids Swim School, we are passionate about helping swimmers build confidence, develop essential water safety skills, and foster a lifelong love of the water. Conveniently located at 70 Russell Street, Edge Hill, our heated, undercover private mineral pool provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for learning all year round. We offer learn-to-swim lessons for babies through to primary school-aged children, with adult learn-to-swim classes now also available. Our experienced and caring instructors focus on creating fun, engaging lessons tailored to each swimmer's individual needs and abilities. To help families get started, we offer your first lesson free. To book or find out more, contact us on (07) 4053 2549.

Let’s show them some support and celebrate the amazing work they do in our community!

Have employees? Workcover insurance renewal due soon

If you already have a policy, WorkCover will email you soon with details on how to renew. You will have to declare your wages by 31st August and pay before 16th September to get a discount.

If you do not have a policy, and you employee staff (excluding Directors/Owners), then you should contact WorkCover to obtain an Accident Insurance policy.

https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/claims-and-insurance/workcover-insurance

❗️Single Touch Payroll (STP) finalisation due by 14 July ❗️

Before you finalise, take a few moments to check that:
•You are finalising the correct financial year
• All year-to-date amounts are accurate
• You have included all employees paid during the year, including terminated and casual employees
• Any changes to payroll software or Payroll IDs have been managed correctly to avoid duplication or overstated income amounts

Once finalised, employees can view their income statement through myGov.

For more information, visit: https://www.ato.gov.au/STPfinalisation

Be Scam Aware This Tax Season

As we head into tax season, scammers are becoming more active—often pretending to be trusted organisation like the ATO or myGov to trick you into sharing personal information or making payments.

Common scam signs:
• Messages claiming there’s an issue with your tax return or refund
• Urgent demands for payment
• Warnings your myGov account has been hacked
• Threats of legal action if you don’t act immediately

Remember – the ATO will NEVER:
• Pressure you to act urgently
• Ask for passwords or login details
• Request payment via gift cards, crypto, or unusual methods

How to stay safe:
• Stop and think before you act
• Never share personal or login details
• Don’t click suspicious links—go directly to official websites
• Verify using trusted contact details
• Report any scams immediately

Scammers rely on fear and urgency—but a moment of caution can protect you.

If you’re ever unsure, reach out to our team for guidance. We’re here to help keep your finances and information safe.