Albanese government partially retreats on credit card issue after small business revolt
The government has announced it had “stepped in” to delay the ATO’s ban on credit card payments until June 30 next year.
The Australian government has partially reversed its decision on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) plan to ban businesses from using credit cards to pay their tax bills. Following criticism from small businesses who stated they needed the credit card payment option to manage cash flow, the government announced it would delay the ban until June 30 next year.
This extension would provide a longer transition period for the ATO to phase out credit card payments. During this period, the ATO will explore ways to assist small businesses with the arrangement of meeting their tax bills. The ban, originally set to start on December 1, came from the Reserve Bank's policy prohibiting businesses from imposing surcharges on card payments.
Some businesses opted to absorb the surcharge cost by increasing the price of their products or services instead. However, processing cards cost the ATO nearly $200 million annually, prompting the ban. Treasurer Jim Chalmers informed ATO Commissioner Rob Heferen about the government's decision. The intervening decision came after previous conflicting statements from ministers on whether the ATO ruling would be changed.
Initially, the government believed the backlash would be limited as only a small proportion of businesses used credit cards to pay taxes. While just over 2% of individuals and 5% of small businesses paid tax via credit card in 2024-25, the issue gained traction with mounting criticism, prompting the government to act. The government will fund the ATO to accept credit card payments until the end of the financial year, with the cost included in the upcoming budget update.
The ministers said the delay would give more time for the ATO to consult with impacted taxpayers and explore targeted options. The ATO will also consult on how best to support those experiencing financial hardship and identify alternative arrangements for businesses and individuals unable to pay via other methods. While the government has decided to delay the ban, opposition leader Angus Taylor said the move did not go far enough, suggesting the government should scrap the credit card payment ban entirely.
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