It’s tax time in Australia! For 2024–2025, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is watching tax returns more closely than ever. They’re using smart tools like AI and real-time data to catch mistakes and wrong claims.
Employees, small business owners, property investors, or crypto traders should return tax carefully to mitigate risk on being ATO hitlist. At Aupod, our registered tax agents and tax accountants help you lodge your ATO tax return the right way.
1. Work-Related Expenses: Most Common Mistake
The ATO says there’s an $8.7 billion tax gap, mostly from people claiming too much for work expenses.
Here’s what they’re checking:
- Work-from-home claims: You can use a fixed rate (70 cents/hour), but only with real proof like rosters or logbooks.
- Double-dipping: You can’t claim the 70c/hour rate and claim for phone, internet or power bills again.
- Car claims: Some people say they drive 5,000 km and use the 88c/km rule, but have no records.
- $300 no-receipt rule: Yes, you can claim without a receipt, only if the cost was real and related to work.
At Aupod, our ATO-approved tax agents make sure your claims are correct, legal, and safe from audits.
2. Rental Property Deductions: ATO Is Watching Closely
If you own a rental, be extra careful. The ATO says 9 out of 10 rental property owners make mistakes!
They’re checking:
- Loan interest claims: You can only claim interest used for the rental, not if you used it for personal spending.
- Repairs vs. improvements: Fixing old damage isn’t counted as a repair. It’s an upgrade, and you must claim it over time.
- Holiday homes: You can’t claim costs if your property wasn’t available for rent. Listing on Airbnb doesn’t count if no one booked it.
- Sharing ownership: Claims must be split based on legal ownership, not who paid more.
If you are stuck, our tax return accountants prepare full rental schedules with all your records and documents ready.
3. Crypto Traders: You’re On the Radar
The ATO now gets direct info from Aussie crypto exchanges, including wallet IDs, trades, and coins used.
You must report:
- Every sale or swap of crypto, even if it’s not for money. It counts as a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) event.
- Wallet-to-wallet transfers: These are only tax-free if recorded properly.
- Free tokens and staking rewards: These are income and must be added to your tax return.
Many people still think tax only applies when they “cash out”, but actions as taxable too, like:
- Swapping one crypto for another
- Using crypto to buy things
- Receiving crypto as income (like from mining or rewards).
4. Gig Workers & Side Hustles: ATO Sees Everything
People earning from Uber, DoorDash, Airtasker, Etsy, or other gig platforms should know the ATO now gets automatic reports from these sites.
They’re checking:
- Undeclared income: Even part-time or hobby work must be declared.
- GST rules: If you make over $75,000, you must register for GST.
- Business vs. hobby: If you post services online or send invoices, it’s a business, not a hobby.
5. Capital Gains on Property or Shares
If you sold shares, crypto, or property, the ATO is checking to make sure you’ve reported your capital gains tax correctly.
They’re flagging:
- Unreported sales: All asset sales must be reported, even inherited property.
- Wrong CGT discount: You must own for 12+ months to get the 50% discount.
- Lost records: If you can’t prove your cost base, your tax might be wrong.
| What is Capital Gain? It is the relevant increase in the asset value from the amount at which you purchased it. What is Capital Gain Tax? Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is the tax you pay on the profit you make when you sell or dispose of an asset, like: Real estate (investment property, land)Shares or stocksCryptocurrencyBusiness assets How does it work? You don’t pay CGT separately; it’s part of your income tax. The capital gain is the difference between what you paid for the asset and what you sold it for. If you owned the asset for more than 12 months, you may get a 50% discount on the capital gain (if you’re an individual). Example: You bought shares for $10,000 and sold them for $15,000.Your capital gain is $5,000, and that amount is added to your taxable income for the year. The ATO expects you to report:Every time you sell or swap a CGT assetAny gain or loss from that event |
6. Superannuation & Lifestyle Checks
The ATO is checking if businesses are paying super properly, especially for contractors who are really full-time staff.
They’re also using AI to check if your lifestyle matches your income. If your return says you earn $50,000 but you own a luxury car, travel often, or buy investment properties, you may be flagged.
File Your Tax Return with Confidence!
At Aupod, we make tax time easy, legal, and worry-free. Our registered tax agents help:
- File your 2025 tax return on time
- Claim legal deductions with proof
- Stay ready in case the ATO calls
Let’s Talk Tax!
Whether you’re searching for a tax accountant near me, wondering how to lodge a tax return, or unsure if you even need to lodge one, Aupod.ai is here to help.
- Book a free call with a registered tax agent in Australia
- Get your tax return lodged the right way
- Maximise your tax refund and stay ATO audit-ready
Visit Aupod and schedule your consultation today.
