ATO warns on COVID lurks

Dan Wade • September 23, 2020

The ATO says it will stamp down on anyone engaging in illegal behaviour or developing contrived schemes to take advantage of COVID-19 stimulus packages.

The office will resolve genuine mistakes.

To date, the tax office has refused more than 6500 applications for JobKeeper due to either ineligibility or fraudulent behaviour, but more businesses can expect to see their payments suspended as 3000 officers are tasked with compliance activity.

'We also encourage applicants to review their applications and ensure they are complying with all their obligations. Failure to do so can result in overpayment as well as significant penalties. This is particularly so if we contact you and you do not take any action to rectify', says an ATO spokesperson.

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