Have an ATO Debt? What Brisbane Business Owners Need to Know in November 2025
- johnry8
- Nov 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Many Brisbane businesses are feeling the pressure of increased ATO activity this year. If you have an ATO debt or are worried about falling behind, understanding what the ATO is monitoring can help you take sensible steps before issues grow.
This guide outlines the main areas on the ATO’s radar right now and gives some workable suggestions to help you steady your tax position.
Groups Currently Receiving Closer ATO Review
Late or non-lodgers - Individuals or groups who delay lodgements or payments are being reviewed more closely than usual.
Private groups using trusts in higher risk ways - Complex trust arrangements or outcomes that don’t align with commercial reality, are attracting attention.
Private company owners extracting value incorrectly - This includes arrangements linked with Division 7A, where money or benefits flow to shareholders without proper treatment.
Property and construction groups - A key concern is the misclassification of income, for example, treating development activity as capital gains rather than business income.
Groups with unusual structures or restructures - The ATO is reviewing entities or related party dealings that appear to lower tax without clear commercial reasoning.
One off or significant transactions - Large transfers of wealth or major ownership changes can prompt review.
Professional practitioners redirecting income - Situations where income is funneled to associated entities to reduce personal tax are being assessed.
Succession and wealth transfer outcomes - Arrangements that produce tax results outside the intent of the law may lead to further questioning.
Behaviours That Commonly Raise ATO Queries when it comes to Debt
Consistent late lodgements or delayed tax payments
Business results that differ noticeably from industry benchmarks
Low transparency, weak record keeping or unclear explanations
Major transactions involving wealth movement or ownership adjustments
Arrangements designed to lower tax in ways inconsistent with the law
Incorrect income classification in property and construction
Structures used mainly to reduce tax rather than serve a commercial purpose
Private use of business assets without proper treatment
Practical Ways Brisbane Business Owners Can Improve Their ATO Debt Position
Dealing with an ATO debt is stressful, but there are steps you can take to reduce risk and regain control.
1. Bring lodgements up to date
The ATO is far more open to payment plans when all outstanding activity statements and tax returns are lodged. Even if you can’t pay straight away, lodgement shows cooperation and can ease pressure.
2. Set up, review or renegotiate a payment plan
If you already have a plan in place, ensure payments are consistent. If it’s no longer manageable, you can request adjustments. The ATO prefers a realistic plan over missed payments.
3. Improve record keeping
Clear records help avoid queries and strengthen your position if you need to explain cash flow concerns. Cloud based accounting systems can help, especially for Brisbane businesses juggling multiple obligations.
4. Check that structures still match your business activity
If your structure was set up years ago, it may no longer suit what you do or how you operate. A review can help identify risks before the ATO raises questions.
5. Ensure loans, drawings and company payments are treated correctly
For company owners, Division 7A issues are common. Correct treatment of drawings, loans and personal expenses paid from business accounts can prevent unnecessary penalties.
6. Review property and construction income classification
If you operate in these sectors, ensure development activity is recognised as income when appropriate. Misclassification is one of the most common triggers in 2025.
7. Seek early advice
Engaging with your accountant before the ATO contacts you can prevent small issues from growing. Early advice also helps you prepare financial information the ATO may request.
How Rise Accountants Can Support You
As a Brisbane based firm working closely with local businesses, we help clients sort out lodgements, review structures, manage ATO debts and reduce the risk of unnecessary penalties. If you need support with an ATO payment plan, overdue returns or a structural review, we’re here to guide you through the process.