In an ATO release on 1 October 2025 titled ‘Tax risks: property, construction and professional services‘ the ATO have noted that they will be focusing on R&D Tax Compliance. The document notes: ‘We continue to see recurring issues in specific industries. We’re watching closely, conducting audits, and applying penalties and interest where needed. Our focus is on small businesses in: the property and construction industry – including builders, contractors and tradies. the professional, scientific and technical services sector – such […]
In the May 2024 federal budget, The Albanese Government announced a strategic examination and review of Australia’s Research and Development (R&D) system to align it with national priorities and to improve outcomes. In late 2024, then Industry Minister Ed Husic announced specific details to launch the review. It was noted that the review will assess how to maximise the value of R&D investments, strengthen industry linkages, and support national priorities, and that the review will examine existing systems, such as […]
Businesses are increasingly leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline various tasks in a bid to achieve significant time savings and efficiency gains. However, when using AI to assist in the drafting of documents that present legal obligations (such as an R&D Application), care should be taken to ensure the information disclosed is correct. In recent months, we have observed a growing trend of companies using AI to assist with the collation of the initial draft content for their Research and […]
One of the major national newspapers has this week posted an article about a private group alleged to have operated a ‘false mining operation’ that led to the generation of substantial refunds for GST and Refundable R&D Tax Offset credits. Swanson Reed does not know specifics of this case other than what has been reported in the media and in the Federal Court’s published freezing and ancillary orders. The Federal Court order notes: “The Companies collectively claimed and received GST refunds and R&D offsets totalling […]