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• Federal Budget 2026-27

  The 2026-27 Federal Budget was recently released, and we know you’re wondering what that means for you.

  
  

  At this stage however, it’s still early days. The proposed measures are not yet law and will take time to progress through Parliament before coming into effect.

  
  

  For the latest news on changes to tax and super laws, check out our website. 

  

  Question by BrookeATO
  14 May 2026

• Setting up an ATO payment plan

  Learn how to manage your existing ATO payment plan or set one up.Need to pay your tax bill but struggling to work out how you’re going to pay it off in time? We know this can be stressful. If you find yourself in this situation, we’re here to help. Can’t pay your tax bill in full? You may be eligible to set up a payment plan. This will allow you to pay in instalments over time, ideally over the shortest possible period. This article explains how to manage your tax debt with a payment plan, including how to check if you’re eligible for an ATO payment plan. Keep in mind, payment plans accrue interest. So, if you’re able to pay in full and on time, it’ll save you from paying extra in interest in the long run. Tax bill caught you off guard? We’ve explained [some of the reasons why you might receive a tax bill](https://community.ato.gov.au/s/question/a0JRF000003dOn72AE/p00388029) in our article. ### How do I set up an ATO payment plan? If you’re experiencing financial difficulties and need to set up a payment plan, the easiest way is to use our online services. You may be able to set up a payment plan online if: - You don’t already have an active payment plan on the same account. - Your tax account isn’t on hold. For example, from being in insolvency or lodging a dispute. - The amount you owe is between $1 and $200,000. Check out our info [before you set up a payment plan](https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/paying-the-ato/help-with-paying/payment-plans#Importantinformationfortaxpayersentering). Don’t forget - payment plans accrue interest. If you can pay in full and on time, it’ll save you in the long run! To set up a payment plan online, you’ll need to have your ATO account linked to your myGov. From the menu select __Tax > Payments > Payment plans__. This will bring up the 'Payment plans' screen allowing you to select the button to __Add__ a payment plan. Online services for business can also be used to set up a payment plan. Details can be found under [Accounts and payments menu](https://www.ato.gov.au/online-services/businesses-and-organisations-online-services/account-and-payments-in-online-services-for-business?anchor=Paymentplans%22%20\l%20%22Paymentplans1) If you can’t set up a payment plan online, you will need to contact us. ### How much do I pay and how often? We have a handy [payment plan estimator](https://www.ato.gov.au/calculators-and-tools/payments-payment-plan-estimator) to help you work out what you can afford. You can also use the [Money Smart budget planner](https://www.ato.gov.au/calculators-and-tools/payments-payment-plan-estimator) to help understand your overall financial position. When you set up your payment plan you can set up payments to be weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or pay a lump sum. To start your payment plan you’ll need to make an up-front payment followed by regular instalments. To keep you from paying too much interest, complete your payment plan in the shortest possible timeframe that fits with your circumstances. ### If I have an ATO payment plan, will my tax refund be used to pay off the debt? Yes. If you’ve got a debt with us, we’re required by law to use any credits or refunds to pay off or reduce what you owe. Keep in mind, this won’t replace your required payment plan instalments. In some cases, we can also use credits you get from other government agencies to pay off your debts. In some circumstances we’ll also use your refund to pay other Australian Government agencies if you owe them money. If there are any credits left over once all your debts are paid, we’ll refund them to you. ### How can I change an existing ATO payment plan? The same way you’ve set it up – by heading online to use our [online services](https://www.ato.gov.au/online-services). When you view your payment plan online, you can choose the option __Update payment plan__. This allows you to change the date and/or the amount for each instalment. If you want to modify a payment date, amount or cancel an instalment online you’ll need to do this: - one business day before the instalment date, if the payment method is direct debit via credit or debit card - 3 business days before the instalment date, if the payment method is direct debit via your bank accounts. Sometimes modifying a payment plan isn’t an option. In that case you may have to cancel your existing payment plan and start a new one. If you do this online, you may have to make another upfront payment. __Note:__ you won’t be able to make changes online if your current plan is longer than 24 months, or if the changes will extend the plan more than 24 months. ### Can I change the payment method used for my ATO payment plan online? Yes, you can [manage your payment plan online](https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/paying-the-ato/help-with-paying/payment-plans?anchor=Managingyourpaymentplan#Managingyourpaymentplan). You can change from direct debit to another method. Remember to allow at least __3 business days__ for the request to process. You can also unlink your payment plan from one credit or debit card to another. ### Why isn't my extra payment showing up on my ATO payment plan? Our systems aren't instant. They don't check for payments before the due date. It should be visible on your statement of account but won't deduct from your payment plan until your regular payment date. If you make a payment over the Christmas period, it won't process until we return in the new year. Don't worry, we don't count this as a late payment. ### What should I do if I've missed a payment on my ATO payment plan? We recommend setting up direct debits to pay your due amount a couple of days early to avoid missing a payment. Prefer manual payments? You can set up SMS reminders when you start your payment plan. If it's a single payment that's defaulted, your account may show up as in arrears. You can make a catch-up payment before your next payment is due. ### Does the ATO charge interest on payment plans? Yes, that's why we encourage you to pay in full and on time if you're able to. General interest charge (GIC) will start accruing from when your original bill was due. To minimise how much GIC you'll need to pay, it's best to complete your payment plan in the shortest timeframe you can. To learn how we work this out, check out our info on [GIC rates](https://www.ato.gov.au/tax-rates-and-codes/general-interest-charge-rates). ### What happens to my ATO payment plan when I've paid my tax bill? Good news! Your payments will stop automatically from our end. If you have direct debits set up, you should cancel those with your bank. Our systems may take some time to show your plan as paid off. Don't worry, we don't charge interest after you've made your final payment.

  

  Article by ATO Community
  5 Nov 2025

• Compare your small business performance with industry benchmarks

  Small business benchmarks let you compare your expenses with similar businesses in your industry.Are you a sole trader or small business owner? Use our small business benchmarks to understand how your business is tracking compared to others in your industry. ### What are the small business benchmarks? [Small business benchmarks](https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/small-business-benchmarks?utm_campaign=sbb2324&utm_source=atogov&utm_medium=web&utm_term=sbb2324) give you a quick way to compare your performance with similar businesses, so you can easily tell if you’re operating __below__, __above__ or __within__ the usual range. They’re based on average expenses from income tax returns, which means they give you a good sense of what’s typical in your industry. We’ve recently published the [2023–24 small business benchmarks](https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/small-business-benchmarks/benchmarks-a-z?utm_campaign=sbb2324&utm_source=atogov&utm_medium=web&utm_term=sbb2324) on our website. There are two simple ways to [compare your performance](https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/small-business-benchmarks/compare-your-business-now?utm_campaign=sbb2324&utm_source=atogov&utm_medium=web&utm_term=sbb2324): - using the __Business performance check__ tool in the __ATO app__. This is completely free and anonymous – we __don’t__ collect any personal information about your business. - [calculate it manually](https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/small-business-benchmarks/compare-your-business-now/how-to-compare-your-business-performance-manually?utm_campaign=sbb2324&utm_source=atogov&utm_medium=web&utm_term=sbb2324) using the formula on our website. ### Understanding your benchmark results Benchmarks are a useful way to check how your business is tracking and pick up on areas to improve. If you're __[above](https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/small-business-benchmarks/what-it-means-to-be-outside-the-benchmark-range?utm_campaign=sbb2324&utm_source=atogov&utm_medium=web&utm_term=sbb2324)__ the key benchmark range for your industry, your expenses are __high__ relative to your sales. This may indicate: - your sales are not fully recorded - your rent or labour costs are high compared to the number of sales - your mark-up is lower than your competitors. If you’re __[below](https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/small-business-benchmarks/what-it-means-to-be-outside-the-benchmark-range?utm_campaign=sbb2324&utm_source=atogov&utm_medium=web&utm_term=sbb2324)__ the key benchmark range for your industry, your expenses are __low__ relative to sales. This may indicate: - some expenses may have not been recorded - your mark-up is higher than your competitors - your business is more efficient. If your expenses fall outside the benchmark range for your industry, it’s a good idea to check for any errors in your records or tax return. But keep in mind that being outside the benchmarks doesn’t always mean something is wrong. If you have found an error and need to amend your tax return, visit [Fix a mistake or amend a return on our website](https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/preparing-lodging-and-paying/fix-a-mistake-or-amend-your-tax-return?utm_campaign=sbb2324&utm_source=atogov&utm_medium=web&utm_term=sbb2324). If your business sits __within__ the benchmark range for your industry, there’s nothing you need to do. You can simply use the benchmarks as a guide to help you check and compare your costs. If you’re looking for free courses and other tools to help your business grow, visit [Essentials to strengthen your small business](https://smallbusiness.taxsuperandyou.gov.au/?utm_campaign=sbb2324&utm_source=atogov&utm_medium=web&utm_term=sbb2324).

  

  Article by ATO Community
  7 Apr 2026