ATO Interest Charges No Longer Tax-Deductible For Businesses

Effective 1 July 2025, businesses can no longer claim income tax deductions for interest charges imposed by the ATO on unpaid or underpaid tax liabilities. This change applies to general interest charge (GIC) and shortfall interest charge (SIC) amounts incurred in income years starting on or after 1 July 2025.

Previously, businesses could deduct ATO-imposed interest charges on overdue tax debts, reducing the net cost of these charges. From 1 July 2025, this deduction is no longer available, meaning any GIC or SIC incurred from this date cannot be claimed as a tax deduction, regardless of when the underlying tax debt arose.

For example, if a business incurs GIC on an unpaid income tax liability after 1 July 2025, this interest expense is not deductible in its tax return for the 2025–2026 income year or subsequent years.

This legislative change is significant for businesses that manage cash flow by deferring tax payments, as the cost of carrying tax debt will effectively increase. Without the tax deduction, the real cost of ATO interest charges rises, making it more expensive to delay tax payments.

The ATO applies GIC on unpaid tax liabilities at a rate that is reviewed quarterly and compounds daily. As of the latest update, the GIC rate is 10.78%.

The removal of tax deductibility for ATO interest charges underscores the importance of timely tax compliance.

Businesses should act promptly to adjust their financial strategies, ensuring that they are not adversely affected by increased costs associated with overdue tax payments.

Please contact our office if you have any questions or queries - 03) 5571 0111

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By Cogger Gurry • October 6, 2025

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Understanding the Farm Household Allowance

By Cogger Gurry • October 1, 2025

Understanding the Farm Household Allowance (FHA) Support for Farmers Facing Hardship Farming is the backbone of our communities, but even the most resilient families can experience challenging times. From fluctuating markets to rising costs, drought, or simply the day-to-day pressures of running a farm, financial strain is something many farming households will face at some point. That’s where the Farm Household Allowance (FHA) comes in. This government-funded initiative is designed to provide vital financial support and professional assistance to farmers and their partners who are experiencing hardship — helping you not just get through tough times, but plan for a stronger, more sustainable future. What is the Farm Household Allowance? The FHA is a payment available to eligible farmers and their partners. It aims to provide: Financial support : Regular payments to help with essential household expenses. Professional assistance : Access to financial advice and farm improvement programs. Tailored services : Support designed around your unique circumstances. Future planning : A structured plan to improve your farm’s long-term viability and your family’s security. Why Apply? The FHA is more than just financial assistance. It’s about equipping farming families with the tools, advice, and resources to regain control over their financial future. Support includes: Regular payments to meet basic household needs. A farm financial assessment supplement of up to $1,500 to cover the fees of a qualified financial assessor. Guidance to help improve farm profitability and sustainability. Access to programs and services that can make a real difference in planning for the years ahead. Who Can Apply? To qualify for FHA, you must meet the following criteria: Be a farmer, or the partner of a farmer. Be 16 years or older. Contribute significant labour and capital to an Australian farm, or be the partner of someone who does. Have a farm enterprise with a significant commercial purpose or character. Meet income and assets test limits. Have received less than four years of FHA within a specific 10-year period. Income test : Your total income must be below the JobSeeker payment income test cut-off. $1,484 per fortnight for singles $2,745 per fortnight combined for couples Asset test : Your combined personal and farm assets must be below $5.5 million. Mutual Obligation Requirements Recipients of the FHA are required to: Complete a Farm Financial Assessment (FFA) to evaluate the farm’s financial position. Develop and follow a Financial Improvement Agreement , outlining actions to strengthen financial circumstances. The $1,500 supplement is provided to cover the cost of engaging a qualified financial assessor to assist with this process. Frequently Asked Questions Is the FHA only for those affected by drought or natural disasters? No. It’s available to any farming family experiencing financial hardship, regardless of the cause. Can I apply if I have significant assets but limited cash flow? Yes. As long as your combined personal and farm assets are below $5.5 million, you may still be eligible. How long can I receive FHA payments? You can receive FHA for up to four cumulative years within a 10-year period. What can the $1,500 financial supplement be used for? It’s designed to cover the cost of a qualified financial assessor completing the Farm Financial Assessment. How to Apply Getting started is simple. You can: Visit the Farm Household Allowance page on the Services Australia website . Call the Farmer Assistance Hotline on 132 316 (Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm). Or, contact CoggerGurry on (03) 5571 0111 — our team can guide you through the process and provide support tailored to your circumstances. We’re Here to Help At CoggerGurry, we understand the pressures that come with farming life. We’ve worked alongside farming families for decades, helping them navigate financial uncertainty and plan for long-term success. If you think you might be eligible for the Farm Household Allowance — or if you’d simply like to understand more about how it works — please get in touch with our team today. CoggerGurry Chartered Accountants 44 Gray Street, Hamilton VIC 3300 03) 5571 0111 reception@coggergurry.com.au

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By Cogger Gurry • September 25, 2025

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