ATO warns over late payments
Amendment removes tax deductibility on interest charges for some taxpayers.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has reminded taxpayers that, as of 1 July 2025, interest charged by the ATO for late payments or underpayments is no longer tax deductible.
The Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Incentives and Integrity) Act 2025 is now law. This means any general interest charge (GIC) incurred on and after 1 July 2025, regardless of whether the debt relates to an earlier income year, will no longer be tax deductible.
Like any other commercial loan, interest is applied if an amount of tax or other liability remains unpaid after its due date, or if there is a shortfall of payment due to an amendment or correction. This is designed to encourage timely payment of tax and compensate the community for the cost of late payments.
The change is designed to ensure that taxpayers who do the right thing and pay their tax in full and on time are not disadvantaged relative to those who delay payment.
ATO Assistant Commissioner, Anita Challen, reminded taxpayers to pay in full and on time to avoid general interest charge accruing on overdue debts.
“These changes will mean it will cost more to carry a tax debt and, while taxpayers won’t feel this change until next tax time, ATO general interest charge is currently charged at 11.17% and compounds daily, making it so important to get on top of your tax obligations,” Ms Challen said.
“If you have a tax debt you’ve been putting off paying, now is the time to pay.”
She said that, for businesses, setting aside your GST, pay as you go (PAYG) withholding, and super from your cash flow in a separate bank account “can help ensure you have the funds available when it’s time to pay”.
“If you’re unable to pay on time and in full, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the ATO using our online services, or you can contact your registered tax professional,” she said.
“While debts are under active management in an agreed payment plan with the ATO, you will avoid debt recovery actions.
“Interest will continue to accrue if you are paying your ATO debt off through a payment plan, but as you make payments, the amount of interest you are charged will also decrease.”
Ms Challen said that anyone who could not pay their tax on time and in full, should also discuss their financial position with their accountant or finance provider “to understand if there are alternative methods of funding payment of tax debts that might have a lower interest rate”.
If you are considering obtaining third-party financing to pay your tax debt, you should discuss the tax implications with your registered tax agent or adviser, she said.
The ATO website has a range of helpful tools and free resources to help taxpayers and business owners plan and manage their cash flow to prevent a tax debt.
Taxpayers who need support or are experiencing serious financial hardship should make it a priority to talk to their registered tax professional or visit the ATO website to see what support options are available.
