ATO targets 25 Melbourne hospitality businesses over unreported income
The Australian Tax Office raided 25 hospitality businesses in Melbourne's CBD. The raids followed community reports of unreported income.
The ATO made surprise visits to 25 hospitality businesses in Melbourne's CBD on Tuesday and Wednesday. The raids followed community reports of cash-in-hand payments, poor record-keeping, and missed superannuation payments.
Australia's shadow economy is worth more than $80 billion in untaxed activity. Cafes, restaurants and bars generated more than 2,500 reports to the ATO in the 2025-26 financial year.
ATO assistant commissioner Tony Goding said a busy venue with different record books tells a different story. Over two years, the ATO prosecuted more than 350 individuals and entities.
This resulted in more than $2.7 million in fines.
- 25
- Businesses raided
- 80 billion dollars
- Shadow economy size
- 2,500
- Hospitality reports 2025-26
- 52,000
- National tip-offs
Why it mattersHospitality workers, customers and honest competitors are reporting tax evasion. This forces the ATO to enforce the rules and level the playing field.
AustraliaMelbourne hospitality operators and workers face increased scrutiny as the ATO targets unreported income in the sector.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 44 min ago
