Government at odds over ATO's ban on credit card tax payments
Three Labor ministers publicly disagreed this week on whether the ATO should accept credit card payments after November 30.
The ATO announced it would stop accepting credit card payments from November 30 because it cannot absorb the processing fees. Small businesses that rely on credit cards to manage cash flow when paying tax pushed back, calling the decision unfair.
Housing Minister Clare O'Neil told Channel Nine the government had "real concerns" and wanted the ATO to reconsider. Small Business Minister Anne Aly separately called for the ban to be reversed, citing lack of consultation.
But Assistant Minister Andrew Charlton defended the ATO, saying the ban aligns with the government's own surcharge rule. The Coalition seized on the contradiction, with Opposition Leader Angus Taylor mocking the government for defending the tax office over small business.
- November 30
- Payment ban date
- Clare O'Neil
- Housing Minister
- Anne Aly
- Small Business Minister
- Andrew Charlton
- Assistant Minister
Why it mattersSmall businesses can no longer use credit cards to spread their tax payments. This may squeeze their cash flow when they need cash most.
AustraliaThousands of Australian small business owners will lose the option to pay tax via credit card from late November, forcing them to find alternative payment methods or manage tighter cash flow.
Corroborated by7news.com.au·perthnow.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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