5 ways Macedon Ranges small businesses can stay on the ATO's good side

Running a small business in the Macedon Ranges is no small feat. Between serving your customers, managing your team and keeping the lights on, tax compliance can easily slip down the to-do list.

But according to ATO Assistant Commissioner Angela Allen, that's exactly where a lot of small businesses come unstuck. "Every year we see small businesses run into avoidable issues because they haven't kept accurate records, reported all their income or managed their cashflow effectively."

The good news? Most of these issues are entirely avoidable. Here are five things you can do right now to make sure your Gisborne, Kyneton or Macedon Ranges business stays on the ATO's good side.

1. Get on top of your ATO debts early

If you've got a tax debt sitting there, don't ignore it. The ATO much prefers it when businesses engage early — whether that's setting up a payment plan or making a prepayment. The sooner you act, the easier it is to manage, and the less likely you are to trigger stronger enforcement action.

2. Keep your GST and PAYG in their own lane

Set up dedicated bank accounts for your GST and PAYG withholding obligations. It sounds simple, but it's one of the most effective ways to protect your cashflow and make sure you always have funds ready when your BAS is due. No nasty surprises, no scrambling for cash at the last minute.

3. Ditch the shoebox

Keeping accurate records isn't just good practice — it's a legal requirement. The ATO is pushing businesses to move away from manual methods and into digital systems and ATO online services. Less room for errors, less stress at tax time, and everything's in one place when you need it.

4. Get ready for Payday Super

Mark 1 July 2026 in your calendar. That's when Payday Super kicks in, meaning employers will need to pay Superannuation Guarantee contributions on every single payday — not quarterly. Now is the time to review your payroll systems and make sure they can handle the increased frequency before it becomes a compliance issue.

5. Closing your business? Don't ghost the ATO

If you're winding down your business, there's a proper process to follow. That means cancelling your ABN, lodging your final tax returns and making sure all your employee entitlements are settled. Skipping steps here can create compliance headaches long after you've closed the door.

Not sure if your business is on the ATO's good side?

Our Gisborne-based tax team works with small businesses right across the Macedon Ranges — from Woodend to Romsey, Lancefield to Kyneton — to keep them compliant, organised and out of trouble.

Let's make sure your business is ticking every box.