The ATO, combined with other government agencies, is working through the Phoenix Taskforce to eliminate the problem of business owners liquidating their companies in order to avoid liabilities only to start essentially the same company again. This is a country wide issue and affects everyone such as the government through shortfall in revenue, employees through non payment of wages and entitlements and suppliers being left with unpaid accounts.
The ATO has put together a listing of the warning signs you may be involved unknowingly in a company that is practicing Phoenix activity. It also details some of the penalties received by illegal operators which can be significant.
As the ATO moves with modern technology they have developed an application to assist with your taxation affairs. The ATO app covers relevant tax and superannuation information for individual taxpayers, small business owners as well as self- managed superannuation fund trustees.
The new app has a range of features which includes recording and managing car trips right through to checking an Australian Business Number using the ABN lookup. There is also the ability to watch videos and access checklists to assist self- managed superannuation fund trustees. These are just a few of the features of the app however there are many more.
The app is compatible with most smart phones and tablets, click the ATO link below for more of the features: