Our role as advisors is to support small businesses, but we cannot compromise our standards along the way, particularly as the effects of COVID-19 continue to rage on for our clients.

The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) together with the ATO recently released a statement as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities of accountants and bookkeepers. The core of their message was that the ATO will not look favourably on businesses who seek to become eligible for grants, loans, benefits or other assistance that they would not ordinarily be entitled to.

They are reinforcing that you will not be eligible for schemes like the Cash Flow Boost if you are found to become entitled to them when you would not ordinarily be. The statement says “any sudden changes to the characterisation of payments may cause us to investigate.”

It’s good to remember that the ATO has your information from your activity statements, so it’s best to let things happen as they normally would, and seek only the benefits you’re entitled to. We can help you on that front.

So, if you come to us asking to change your payroll, increase the amounts you’re paying, register you for PAYG-W have another request, we’re going to ask some questions.

There’s nothing to worry about if you have a genuine business case for these requests, and we will always talk to you to find out what is best. We just ask you to work with us.

We are here to support you and want to see you get through this next stage stronger than ever.

Thank you in advance for your understanding in this matter.