ATO Fuel Crisis Payment Plans – Support for Businesses Under Pressure
Recent fuel price increases are placing significant cash‑flow pressure on many Australian businesses, well beyond the transport and logistics sectors. In response, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has introduced a temporary Fuel Response Payment Plan to assist eligible businesses that are struggling to meet their tax obligations due to higher fuel and supply chain costs.
What support is available?
Eligible businesses can apply for a tailored ATO payment arrangement with the following key features:
- No upfront payment required
- Up to 3 years (36 months) to repay tax debt, with equal monthly instalments
- Potential remission of General Interest Charge (GIC), provided payment and lodgement conditions are met
- A more flexible ATO compliance approach during the support period
This support is temporary and is currently available for applications until 30 June 2026.
Who may be eligible?
You may be eligible to apply if you:
- Hold an ABN
- Have experienced increased operating costs directly or indirectly linked to higher fuel prices (including freight, transport or supply chain impacts)
- Have a new or existing tax debt that you are unable to service
- Can demonstrate a reduced capacity to pay specifically due to fuel‑related cost increases
- Are willing to bring outstanding tax lodgements up to date within three months of entering the arrangement
Importantly, this measure applies to many types of businesses, not just fuel‑intensive or transport operators.
How we can help
While businesses can apply directly through ATO Online Services, we strongly recommend speaking with us first.
We can assist by:
- Reviewing your ATO debt and cash‑flow position
- Assessing whether you meet the eligibility criteria
- Ensuring lodgements are brought up to date
- Structuring a sustainable payment arrangement
- Engaging with and negotiating directly with the ATO on your behalf, with appropriate authority
- Advising on related options such as PAYG instalment variations or interest remission requests
Early engagement is critical. Approaching the ATO proactively and with a clear, well‑supported proposal significantly improves outcomes.
Next steps
If rising fuel or supply chain costs have affected your ability to meet upcoming tax obligations, please contact our office as soon as possible. We can discuss your circumstances confidentially and determine the most appropriate way to engage with the ATO on your behalf.
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