Tax office convenes snap meeting over credit card ban
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is proceeding with a ban on credit card payments starting December 1, despite pushback from business groups. The ATO claims it cannot absorb the surcharge fees, while businesses argue the move negatively impacts their cash flow.
Why it matters
This decision highlights the tension between government fiscal policy and the operational costs faced by small businesses following broader banking reforms.
New regulation has put a ban on card surcharges. ( Adobe Stock )
Business groups have accused the ATO of having "double standards" for refusing to accept credit card payments from November 30.
The tax office said it was not appropriate for it to absorb the surcharge fees itself because that would effectively transfer the cost to the taxpayer.
The ATO has stood firm on its decision, despite calling a special forum for frustrated small business groups to discuss the changes.
Link copied Share Share article The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will not budge on its decision to stop accepting credit card payments from December 1, after holding a snap crisis meeting with business groups angered by the move.
Australia's tax chief convened a meeting with business groups this morning to the discuss the changes in the wake of widespread backlash.
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