Small business tax avoiders costing Australians billions

THE ATO Small Business Tax Gap report released today highlights a $11.1 billion tax gap, almost two-thirds (64%) of this credited to black economy behaviour such as not declaring income, workers paid cash ‘under the table’ or exaggerating expenses.

Some 71 percent of small businesses reported their tax correctly and a further 18 percent attempted to report correctly but made mistakes, mainly due to poor record keeping or human error. 

For the more than four million small businesses in Australia, it is essential to have proper records in place for tax time, so they can substantiate and justify all claims.

Australian tax leader at Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand Michael Croker said the report is a warning to the millions of small businesses now completing their 2019 income tax returns to ensure documentation is complete and accurate.

“We are pleased to see that the ATO has found Australian small businesses use tax professionals more than those in countries that have reported a larger tax gap,” said Mr Croker.

“It is important to ensure that all income is recorded and that private components of an expense are not inadvertently claimed as a business expense. It is also essential for businesses to disclose all financial transactions to your Chartered Accountant to ensure you are compliant. 

“Businesses that do not accurately share their claims need to consider that the ATO has considerable powers to investigate, claim money back and penalise.”

The impact of the few businesses that are participating in the black economy is enormous. 

“This is not 'their' money, it’s Australia’s money, and each incorrect claim adds up to billions being diverted from Australian services and infrastructure,” said Mr Croker.

“The black economy places undue and unfair competitive pressure on the majority of small business operators who are doing the right thing.

“The Black Economy Taskforce made a number of recommendations to reduce the impact of the black economy and this report certainly gives the argument credence. 

“The anonymity of cash ensures those participating in black economy remain under the radar.

“An extremely conservative RBA estimate shows that $1 billion is warehoused by the black economy with a further $5 billion used for operational purposes which represents up to 8 percent of bank notes in circulation," he said.

“Implementing a ban on cash transactions of $10,000 or more will make it more difficult to operate in the black economy with very limited impact on those who prefer cash and operate within the regulatory systems.”

 

About Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand is a professional body comprised of over 120,000 diverse, talented and financially astute members who utilise their skills every day to make a difference for businesses the world over. Members are known for their professional integrity, principled judgment, financial discipline and a forward-looking approach to business which contributes to the prosperity of our nations. 

www.charteredaccountantsanz.com

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