{
  "id": 12995140,
  "title": "Jim Chalmers delays ATO’s controversial ban on credit card payments following business outcry",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/jim-chalmers-delays-atos-controversial-ban-on-credit-card-payments",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-09T00:45:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Guardian",
    "slug": "the-guardian",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/09/chalmers-delays-controversial-credit-card-ban-business-tax"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Treasurer Jim Chalmers has delayed the controversial ban on credit card payments for tax bills by more than six months, after facing significant business criticism. The ban, set to begin on 30 November, will now commence from July 2027. Chalmers announced additional funding to provide the tax office with a transition period, following days of criticism from small business owners. The tax office will continue to accept credit card payments through third parties, as well as other payment methods like debit cards and bank transfers. The decision comes after the tax commissioner, Rob Heferen, announced plans to stop accepting credit card payments for tax bills starting 1 December, citing costs of nearly $200m a year that cannot be passed onto card users. Despite these costs, an estimated 5% of small businesses use credit card payments for tax bills. Business lobby groups, including the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have welcomed the delay, calling it \"much needed breathing space\" for small businesses.",
  "summary": "Treasurer earmarks funds for year-long transition period for tax office, delaying ban’s 30 November start date A controversial credit card ban for payments on tax bills will be delayed by six months as extra funding is announced for the Australian Tax Office. Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced on Friday extra funding for the ATO to halt the change until the end of June. Continue reading...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Guardian Australia",
        "title": "Jim Chalmers overrules ATO’s controversial ban on credit card payments following business outcry",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/jim-chalmers-overrules-atos-controversial-ban-on-credit-card-payments",
        "published": "2026-10-09T00:45:19.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Breaking: ATO credit card ban delay as government backs down after business backlash",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/breaking-ato-credit-card-ban-delay-as-government-backs-down-after",
        "published": "2026-10-09T00:59:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}