Tax time 2025: What you need to know

This week’s show is a special presentation from CPA Australia’s leadership, strategy and business podcast, INTHEBLACK. Ever wondered how well you communicate?  Communication expert Dr Louise Mahler shares practical, research-backed techniques to help you build trust, speak with confidence and strengthen your presence.  Whether you're presenting to the board, in an online meeting or fielding tough questions, this episode gives you the tools to communicate with greater impact and earn trust more effectively.   From unconscious habits that sabotage credibility to the secrets behind handling high-pressure moments, unpack how voice, body language and messaging shape the way we’re perceived.  In this INTHEBLACK episode, you’ll learn:   The core components of trust and why they matter   How to communicate with authority using vocal and physical presence   Simple ways to manage anxiety in meetings and presentations   What gravitas really is and how to develop it  Listen now for expert-backed tips you can use today.   Host: Jackie Blondell, Editorial Content Lead, CPA Australia  Guest: Dr Louise Mahler, an expert in body language, voice and human behaviour. She has a PhD in Leadership Communication, and degrees and masters in Organisational Psychology and Music and is the author of two books on the subject: Resonate and Gravitas.    You can learn more about Louise Mahler at her website.   INTHEBLACK has also covered today’s topic in a recent article featuring Dr Louise Mahler along with other experts who share their insights on staying calm and composed in the workplace when the pressure is on.  You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website.   Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]  

As tax time approaches, so does a spike in scam activity – posing a real threat to both individuals and small businesses.   In this episode, we’ll explore the latest scam trends and what accountants, tax agents and business owners need to know to protect themselves and their clients.  By listening, you’ll gain:  Awareness of current scam tactics targeting taxpayers in 2025  Insights into ATO impersonation scams, including red flags and pressure tactics used by scammers  Comparisons to previous years, with key differences in scam behaviour for 2025  Guidance for tax agents on how to support and educate clients  Best practices for verifying ATO communication  An introduction to myID and its role in strengthening identity protection  Clear steps to take if a scam is suspected, along with a key message to remember this tax season.  This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals and small business advisers looking to stay one step ahead of scam threats during tax time 2025.  Tune in today.   Host: Jenny Wong, Tax Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia  Guest: Joda Walter, Assistant Commissioner, Cyber Governance, Australian Taxation Office (ATO)  For information related to this episode, head to the ATO website which has guidance and information on the following:  Verify or report a scam   Scam alerts   Help for identity theft   Help with data breaches   Top cyber security tips for businesses  Scamsafe   Additionally, you can listen to other episodes in this Tax Time 2025 series.   And you can find CPA Australia’s tax resources on the website.     CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips   Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]  

  Succession planning is a critical topic. Understanding how to navigate succession planning is crucial for accountants, financial professionals and those involved in wealth management.    In this second episode in the Tax Time 2025 series, you’ll learn about the key points of wealth transfer and what you need to know about succession planning, including:   Current trends   Regulatory aspects   Tax considerations for private groups  Capital gains tax (GGT) in relation to succession planning  Tune in to gain valuable insights into effective strategies for ensuring a smooth transition of wealth while meeting compliance requirements.  Listen now.   Host: Jenny Wong, Tax Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia  Guest: Jenny Lin, Assistant Commissioner, Private Wealth, Australian Taxation Office  For information related to this episode, head to the ATO website for information on succession planning   Additionally, you can listen to other episodes in this Tax Time 2025 series.    And you can find CPA Australia’s tax resources on the website.    CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]  

Stay informed and prepared with the latest updates relevant to small business this tax season.  In this episode, gain critical insights to help small business clients successfully navigate Tax Time 2025.  Key topics covered include:  Current ATO focus areas  Specific tax considerations for small business owners  Practical strategies to support compliance and informed decision-making  Designed for CPA Australia members and the broader business community, this episode offers actionable guidance to help you stay ahead of regulatory changes and support your clients with confidence.  Host: Jenny Wong, Tax Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia  Guest:  Angela Allen, Assistant Commissioner, Small Business Experience, Australian Taxation Office, (ATO)  For guidance and information related to this episode, head to the ATO website, where you'll find these helpful pages:  Small business focus areas  Quarterly to monthly GST reporting   Tax Time toolkit for small business  Essentials for strengthening your small business  Additionally, you can listen to other episodes in this Tax Time 2025 series.    And you can find CPA Australia’s tax resources on the website.    CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]    

This four-part tax time 2025 series provides you with comprehensive coverage of topics tailored to assist Australian accountants, finance professionals and their clients.   In this first episode, learn about the latest updates from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), as well as key information on:  Deductions  Record keeping  Investments  Digital tools  ATO focus areas  This episode will help ensure you and your clients are well prepared for tax season in 2025.    Listen now.   Host: Jenny Wong, tax lead, policy and advocacy, CPA Australia  Guest: Rob Thomson, assistant commissioner at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) For links related to this episode, head to the ATO website for information on:  The ATO app  Occupation guides  Work-related expenses   Work-related self-education expenses   Super health check    From June 24, 2025, the full four-episode tax time 2025 series will be available to listen on CPA Australia’s site.  And you can find CPA Australia’s tax resources on the website.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]  

What does good governance in the not-for-profit (NFP) sector look like?   In this episode of With Interest, we’ll explore the frameworks, challenges and opportunities shaping NFP leadership today.  Gain practical insights into:  What good governance really means for NFPs  The top governance challenges NFPs face in the Australian context  The link between sound fiscal management and accountability  Real-world examples of governance that made a measurable difference  Actionable steps directors can take to enhance governance in their organisations  Useful tools and resources from CPA Australia and AICD Whether you're a director, advisor or part of an NFP board, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help your organisation build trust, improve oversight and stay compliant in a complex regulatory environment.  Tune in for expert commentary and sector-specific advice that will help you lead with purpose and responsibility.  Host: Ram Subramanian, external reporting lead, CPA Australia  Co-host: Joss Fenton FCPA, accountant and adviser to a wide range of not-for-profit (NFP) and business clients.  Guest: Phil Butler, CPA and NFP lead at the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)  Head to the AICD on Linkedin for more information and links.   CPA Australia also has resources on its website.   Additionally, you can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website.   Would you like to listen to more With Interest episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]  

With the federal election decided, attention turns to the road ahead for Australian businesses and the newly re-elected government's agenda.   This special episode delves into the critical economic challenges and opportunities ahead, offering expert perspectives on navigating the evolving landscape.   Explore Australia's current economic position – its strengths and weaknesses – and what priorities the Treasurer should focus on.  Listen now for a comprehensive briefing on the economic outlook covering:  Key priorities for the Treasurer based on Australia's economic health  The ripple effects of US policy and tariffs on Australian sectors  Policy levers the government can pull to navigate challenges  CPA Australia's "three R" recommendations for business and community improvement  How government’s zero-risk approach affects business  The importance of tax reform  Host: Elinor Kasapidis, Chief of Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia   Guests:   Dr Brendan Rynne, Chief Economist with KPMG. His expertise includes econometric analysis, economy-wide modelling, cost benefit analysis, impact assessments, efficiency improvements and legislative and regulatory reform.  Gavan Ord, business investment and international lead, policy and advocacy, CPA Australia.  Learn more about today’s guest at the KPGM website.     Additionally, CPA Australia has an overview of the relevant election policies announced by the Australian Labor Party (ALP) leading up to and during the 2025 Federal election campaign.   It also includes a list of some relevant policies announced in the previous parliament that have yet to be enacted.  CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]    

In this second instalment of a special two-part episode, a respected panel of industry experts dive deeper into the insights from CPA Australia’s 2025 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey.  This landmark small business survey – launched at Parliament House in Canberra in March – captures data from over 4200 small businesses across the Asia-Pacific, including more than 500 Australian businesses, providing a timely snapshot of their performance, challenges and future priorities.  From sole traders and family-run operations to service providers, these are the enterprises that power the region’s economies – and the businesses CPA Australia and its members support every day.  Listen and learn key insights from a lively debate with highly respected industry voices discussing critical issues for small business in Australia and APAC.   Presenter: Elinor Kasapidis, Chief of Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia   Panel:  Yasmin Coe FCPA, President of CPA Australia ACT Division Angad Soin, Xero Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand and Global Chief Strategy Officer Bruce Billson GAICD, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Gavin Ord, Business Investment and International Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia    CPA Australia’s 2025 edition of its Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey is available online and offers deep insights into the challenges small businesses are facing in Australia and APAC.   You can also read CPA Australia’s media release which calls for government to urgently prioritise small business issues.   To catch up, listen to part one of this two-part episode as CPA Australia’s Gavin Ord outlines the survey and the economic and operational challenges SMEs are facing.  You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website.   Would you like to listen to more With Interest episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest INTHEBLACK  INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]  

In this first of a two-part With Interest, we’ll explore key findings from CPA Australia’s 2025 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey, which was unveiled at Parliament House in Canberra.   In part one, CPA Australia’s Gavin Ord unpacks the economic and operational challenges SMEs are facing – from cash flow pressures and access to finance, to workforce fatigue, productivity and talent retention – all within today’s demanding business environment.   This annual survey captures the experiences of 4200 small businesses across the region – including more than 500 in Australia – offering a timely snapshot of their performance, priorities and pain points.  From sole traders and family-run builders to growing e-commerce retailers and service providers, these are the businesses that CPA Australia and its members work with every day.  Part two will feature a panel discussion with industry experts who dig deeper into the implications and opportunities behind the survey’s key data.  Presenter: Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia  You can read CPA Australia’s Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey and CPA Australia’s media release which calls for Government to urgently prioritise small business issues.   You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website.   Would you like to listen to more With Interest episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest INTHEBLACK  INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]    

In this episode, learn some of the key challenges facing accountants in their dealings with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and what you can expect in 2025.   Gain an overview of the challenges faced by small businesses, who account for 65 per cent of the ATO's debt, and the increasing pressures on both tax agents and taxpayers.  Dive into the ATO's renewed focus on tax debt recovery, especially the significant rise in unpaid taxes post-COVID.   Learn the importance of early engagement with the ATO to avoid enforcement actions like garnishee notices and director penalty notices (DPNs).  Key areas in this episode  Impact of COVID on ATO's $50 billion debt book.  Importance of early engagement and payment plans.  Consequences for non-payment, including garnishee notices and DPNs.  ATO's new initiatives to address GIC remission requests and improve timeliness.  The ATO's approach to vulnerable taxpayers and improving service for tax agents.  The impact of automation on the ATO.  Issues raised by CPA Australia members.  Tune in now for valuable insights on how small business and tax practitioners can avoid penalties and manage their tax obligations more effectively.  Host: Jenny Wong, Tax Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia Guest: David Allen, Second Commissioner of Frontline Operations, ATO  For more information on the ATO, head to its website.   CPA Australia has tax resources on its website.   And you can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website.   Would you like to listen to more With Interest episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest INTHEBLACK  INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips   Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]