ATO interest rate hike + firmer debt collection
September 16, 2026
ATO interest on unpaid tax debt is about to get more expensive — again
From 1 October 2026, the ATO's General Interest Charge climbs to 11.51% p.a. (up from 11.43%), compounding daily — and it's worth remembering GIC is no longer tax deductible on debt incurred from 1 July 2025 onward. Commissioner Rob Heferen has also flagged firmer collection action ahead, with total collectable ATO debt sitting around $115 billion nationally. If your business is carrying any ATO debt, now is the time to get a payment plan or catch-up strategy sorted before the rate rise bites.
Source: Daily Australia Tax Update — 11 September 2026 (Sterlinx Global)
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Good news for Australian startups: the tax rules just got friendlier.
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Good news for Australian startups: the tax rules just got friendlier.
Generative AI won't replace accountants. Accountants who use it will outperform those who don't
Contractor in construction, cleaning, IT or courier services? Don't lodge just yet.
