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If you’re a company director in Australia, your role carries more than just strategic weight, it carries legal responsibility. That responsibility now includes personal liability for unpaid company taxes like PAYG, GST and superannuation.
The ATO’s Director Penalty Regime has become a key enforcement tool and the risk is growing. As of 2025, we’re seeing more clients caught out by Director Penalty Notices (DPNs) due to late lodgements or underreported liabilities.
Understanding what triggers a DPN and how to act if one lands in your inbox, is essential for protecting your personal and financial position.
A Director Penalty Notice (DPN) is a formal notice issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to make a company director personally liable for certain unpaid company taxes. These typically include:
• PAYG withholding
• Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC)
• GST (from April 2020 onwards)
In essence, if a company fails to meet its tax obligations, the ATO can pursue directors individually to recover the debt, even if the business becomes insolvent.
There are two main types of DPNs and they carry very different consequences:
Lockdown DPN
• Issued when a company fails to lodge its BAS or Superannuation Guarantee Statement (SGS) within the required timeframe.
• If this happens, the director is automatically and personally liable for the debt.
• The only way to remit (remove) the penalty is to pay the debt in full even if the company is placed into administration or liquidation.
Non-Lockdown DPN
• Issued when the company has lodged its returns on time but hasn’t paid the tax owing.
• In this case, the director has 21 days from the date of the notice to take action:
o Pay the debt,
o Appoint an administrator,
o Begin winding up the company.
If none of these actions are taken within the 21-day window, the director becomes personally liable.
DPNs bypass the usual legal protections offered by a company structure. Directors may believe they’re shielded from personal liability but, DPNs change the game.
Once a DPN is issued, the ATO can:
• Garnish a director’s personal bank account or wages,
• Register a judgment debt against them,
• Begin legal proceedings for recovery.
This can have long-term effects on a director’s financial position, credit rating, and ability to serve on other boards.
As a director, it’s your responsibility to ensure the company meets its tax obligations even if you’re not involved in the day-to-day finances.
Here’s what we recommend:
Lodge on Time — Even If You Can’t Pay
Timely lodgement protects you from lockdown DPNs. If you can’t pay the full amount, work with your accountant or advisor to set up a payment plan, but don’t delay reporting.
Review Your Company’s Tax Position Regularly
Make tax compliance a regular agenda item. Review lodgements, upcoming obligations, and cash flow implications before they become problems.
Act Quickly on ATO Notices
If you receive a DPN, time is of the essence. You have just 21 days to take corrective action and ignoring the notice could leave you personally on the hook.
Understand Your Exposure, Even if You’ve Just Been Appointed
New directors can also become liable for historical debts if they don’t act within 30 days of their appointment. Always conduct due diligence when joining a company.
At Attune Advisory, we work closely with business owners to ensure compliance and minimise risk. Whether it’s keeping your lodgements up to date, forecasting liabilities, or helping navigate complex ATO communications, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
If you’ve received a DPN or are concerned about potential liability, don’t wait. Early advice can make all the difference.
Book a confidential consultation with our advisory team today.
We’ll help you take control, stay compliant, and protect your future.
So if you’d like advice on a DPN or your tax debt risk, give the team a call on 1300 866 113 or contact us here to start the conversation.
At Attune Advisory, we’re not just keeping pace with the change, we’re helping our clients leverage it. Here are four accounting trends to watch in 2025, and what your business can do to stay ahead.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept, it’s here, and it’s making a real impact on Australian businesses. From automating reconciliations to predicting cash flow and detecting anomalies, AI-powered tools are changing how accountants and finance teams operate.
This shift isn’t about replacing people; it’s about enhancing capability. Automation frees up time, reduces human error, and allows finance professionals to focus on higher-value strategic thinking like scenario planning, forecasting, and advisory work.
What you should do with it:
Review your current systems and workflows. Are there manual processes that could be automated? Could you be extracting more insights from your numbers? Tools like cloud-based accounting platforms, AI-assisted analytics, and integrated dashboards are no longer optional, they’re essential to stay competitive.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors are no longer reserved for listed companies or large corporates. Investors, regulators, and even customers are increasingly asking businesses of all sizes to demonstrate transparency and responsibility and ESG reporting is becoming a key mechanism to deliver that.
From carbon emissions to employee wellbeing, ESG reporting requires businesses to track and disclose performance beyond the profit line.
What you should do with it:
Start embedding ESG into your strategy now. Whether it’s reducing your environmental footprint, supporting community initiatives, or strengthening governance practices, a strong ESG framework can enhance your reputation and open up new funding and partnership opportunities.
At Attune, we can help you build simple, practical frameworks to measure and report on ESG performance, tailored to your size, industry and growth plans.
With the ongoing reform of the Privacy Act and heightened awareness around cyber risk, data security is a top concern for every business, especially those handling sensitive financial and personal information.
Accounting systems are a prime target, and it’s critical to ensure your software, processes, and team are all equipped to keep your data safe.
What you should do:
If you haven’t reviewed your data security protocols recently, now’s the time. Use multi-factor authentication, conduct regular access reviews, ensure your cloud storage complies with Australian standards, and consider a cyber health check, especially if you’ve scaled quickly or adopted new systems. Having the right data security in place isn’t as costly as it once was and therefor is becoming far more accessible (and assessable) than ever before.
With all these changes, the role of your accountant is evolving too. Forward-thinking businesses are no longer just looking for help at tax time, they’re engaging accountants as strategic partners, guiding decisions, identifying risks, and planning for growth.
Virtual CFO services, real-time forecasting, performance monitoring, and scenario planning are fast becoming the norm, not the exception.
What you can do:
If your current advisor isn’t helping you plan ahead, it may be time to explore new support. At Attune Advisory, we combine deep technical expertise with hands-on strategic advice to help our clients grow with clarity and confidence.
Staying ahead means embracing change, not resisting it. From tech and compliance to ESG and advisory-led thinking, the opportunities are there and the time to act is now.
Want to explore how these trends could impact your business? Speak to the team at Attune Advisory. We’ll help you prepare, plan, and power forward.
Give the team a call on 1300 866 113 or contact us here to start the conversation, your future-self will be glad you did.
With 30 June now upon us, many business owners are breathing a sigh of relief (or will be this afternoon). Lodgements are being finalised and the pressure is easing on another year end, but with it barely in the rear-view mirror, what’s next?
The new financial year isn’t just a fresh start on financials – it’s a critical moment to take stock and get strategic. What you do in the weeks following EOFY can set the tone for your entire FY25–26.
So before you shift focus entirely, here are four key actions you can take now to set your business up for success and how Attune Advisory can help you make the most of the year ahead.
Once the dust has settled, take time to step back and look at how your business performed across the last financial year. This isn’t just about profit, it’s about understanding your numbers.
Ask yourself:
• What were the strongest months or quarters?
• Were there cash flow pinch points?
• Did certain service lines or products outperform expectations?
• What did you spend more on than planned, and why?
By examining performance with a clear head, you’ll be able to make data-backed decisions for the year ahead, not gut-based ones.
At Attune Advisory, we often support our clients in conducting a year-end performance review, helping uncover valuable insights and identifying where strategy can be improved. From there we’ve got the ammunition to help your business build a sound strategy, tailored to your goals, built on real data.
Don’t wait until tax time next year, or even your next lodgement to think about how your business is tracking. If you haven’t started already, now is the ideal time to:
• Set clear financial and operational goals
• Build or update your 12-month forecast
• Map out major projects, expected expenses, or staffing changes
Creating a forecast not only helps manage cash flow, it’s a vital tool for planning investment, understanding breakeven points, and seeing the bigger picture.
For growing businesses, Attune Advisory offers Virtual CFO services that provide exactly this kind of strategic oversight. It’s expert financial leadership — without the full-time price tag. But, even if you don’t need a Virtual CFO, you still may benefit from timely advice and strategic thinking that helps you move forward with confidence.
A new year brings new variables. Interest rates, supply costs, staff overheads and industry shifts can all affect your cash flow, sometimes significantly.
Now is the time to:
• Review and adjust your budget to reflect current market conditions
• Reassess your pricing strategy and cost structure
• Check that your invoicing and debt collection processes are still working for you
Don’t wait until a cash flow crisis forces your hand. A proactive approach, supported by real-time numbers, can be the difference between a stressful year and a successful one.
Too often, we see businesses only engage their accountant or advisor at tax time(s). But there’s so much value to be gained from year-round strategic advice, and that’s a huge part of what we offer and specialise in at Attune.
From reviewing your structure and tax planning strategies to helping you monitor KPIs and growth goals, our advisory team is here to help you stay ahead.
Whether you’re a sole trader, growing startup, or established company, our team works alongside you, offering insights, accountability, and clarity.
EOFY might be (just about) over, but this is where the real opportunity lies for the year ahead.
By reviewing your performance, setting smart goals, and managing cash flow proactively, you’ll be setting your business up for a stronger, more strategic year. And with the right support, you won’t have to do it alone.
Want to make this financial year your best yet?
Give the team at Attune Advisory a call on 1300 866 113 or send us an email to start the conversation – you’ll be glad you did.
With the end of the financial year just days away, many small and medium-sized business owners are feeling the pressure. It’s a time when the spotlight turns to compliance, reporting, and making sure everything is in order before 30 June.
But navigating your tax obligations can be daunting. The terms alone – ‘tax obligations’, ‘deductions’, ‘GST’, ‘capital gains tax’ – can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already juggling the demands of running a business.
At Attune Advisory, we understand that staying compliant with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) isn’t always straightforward. That’s why we’re here to offer practical support, proactive guidance, and a clear path forward so you can approach the last days of the financial year with clarity and confidence.
If you operate a business in Australia, you’re required to meet a range of tax responsibilities beyond simply lodging an annual return. While many of these are well-known, some are less obvious—and all are critical to staying compliant. These include:
• Registering for an Australian Business Number (ABN)
Every business must have an ABN for tax and identification purposes. Without it, you may lose access to tax credits and face higher withholding rates.
• Maintaining accurate financial records
This includes invoices, receipts, bank statements, and payroll records. Good record-keeping underpins everything from deductions to audits.
• Registering for GST (if applicable)
If your business has a GST turnover of $75,000 or more, you must register and meet all related obligations, including charging GST, lodging BAS, and claiming input credits.
• Paying income tax on profits
Depending on your structure (e.g., sole trader vs. company), this could involve personal tax returns or company tax obligations.
• Managing superannuation for employees
Super must be paid quarterly at minimum, and failure to meet deadlines can result in penalties—even if paid late.
• Withholding the correct amount of tax from employee wages (PAYG Withholding)
This is a key responsibility for employers, ensuring employees meet their tax obligations.
• Meeting fringe benefits tax (FBT) obligations
If your business provides employees with non-cash benefits (like a company car or entertainment), you may be required to report and pay FBT.
Failure to comply can result in financial penalties, unnecessary audits, and mounting stress. However, with the right systems and expert guidance tailored to your business, you can stay on top of your obligations – and even identify opportunities to reduce your tax burden and boost your financial efficiency.
Tax rules aren’t set-and-forget – they evolve alongside legislation, industry regulations, and your business structure. Regular reviews help ensure you remain compliant and position your business for growth.
Here’s what you should be reviewing:
1. Business Structure
Your structure (sole trader, partnership, trust, or company) affects everything from tax rates to reporting obligations. As your business grows or changes, it may be worth reassessing whether your current structure is still right for you.
2. Income and Expense Reporting
Be sure to capture every deductible business expense—from vehicle costs to depreciation of assets. Using cloud accounting software can automate much of this and reduce human error.
3. GST Registration and Reporting
If registered for GST, you must charge GST on taxable supplies, claim input tax credits, and lodge regular Business Activity Statements (monthly, quarterly, or annually). Failing to keep up can result in compliance issues and cash flow problems.
4. Employer Responsibilities
Beyond PAYG and super, it’s essential to ensure you’re adhering to industry Awards or enterprise agreements. This includes paying correct wages, keeping up with Fair Work requirements, and understanding leave entitlements, allowances, and termination payments.
The ATO requires businesses to retain records for at least five years from when they were prepared, obtained, or the transaction was completed – whichever is later. Records must clearly explain all transactions, be written in English (or easily translated), and be stored securely, whether physically or digitally.
Good record-keeping is more than a compliance task – it’s also your best defence in the event of an audit and a foundation for sound business decision-making.
A registered tax agent is legally authorised to give tax advice, prepare and lodge returns, and represent you in dealings with the ATO. At Attune Advisory, our team is fully registered with the ATO and the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB), giving you peace of mind that your business is in experienced, qualified hands.
We also stay across legislative updates, industry trends, and ATO rulings so you don’t have to.
How can I stay on top of my tax obligations?
Using software like Xero or MYOB, tracking lodgement deadlines, and engaging an Attune Advisory advisor are all key to staying ahead.
What happens if I don’t meet my obligations?
You could face penalties, interest charges, and increased scrutiny from the ATO. In some cases, non-compliance can trigger a full audit.
What tax rate applies to small businesses?
As of 2023, small companies with turnover under $50 million are taxed at 25%. Larger companies pay 30%. Sole traders and partnerships are taxed at individual rates.
Does Australia tax overseas income?
Yes. The ATO uses international data-sharing agreements to track overseas assets and income. Australia also has tax treaties with over 40 countries to avoid double taxation.
Tax doesn’t have to be a burden. With tailored, strategic advice from the Attune Advisory team – and the right systems in place – you can meet your obligations, reduce your risk, and uncover real opportunities for growth and savings.
Give the team a call on 1300 866 113 or send us an email to start the conversation – you’ll be glad you did.
