If your business has been hit by higher fuel costs or supply chain disruptions, there is practical help available right now through the ATO's fuel response payment plan.

Here's what's on offer and who qualifies.

What support is available?

✅ 3-year payment plan — no upfront payment required Spread your existing tax debt across 36 equal monthly instalments with no payment required upfront.

✅ Remission of general interest charges (GIC) If you stay on top of your first 3 monthly instalments and bring your lodgments up to date within that period, the ATO will remit any GIC that accrued from the date of your application through to the third instalment. No separate application needed for the remission.

✅ PAYG instalment variation If your revenue has dropped due to higher fuel expenses or supply slowdowns, you can reduce your quarterly PAYG instalments to reflect current trading conditions — freeing up cash in the short term.

✅ Additional existing ATO support On top of the payment plan, the ATO's existing support options remain available — including priority processing of tax returns, penalty remission and discretion not to offset debts.

Do you qualify?

To be eligible for the ATO fuel response payment plan you must be an ABN holder who meets all four of the following:

1. Your business operating costs have increased — either directly due to higher fuel costs, or indirectly due to increased transport, logistics or supply chain costs.
2. You have a new tax debt, or you are unable to service an existing one.
3. You can demonstrate a reduced capacity to pay specifically because of high fuel prices — not just a general business downturn or ordinary cash flow issues. The ATO is looking for businesses that would have met their obligations if fuel prices hadn't risen.
4. Your lodgments are up to date (or will be within 3 months of the payment plan being set up).

Applications close 30 June 2026.

How we can help

You don't have to navigate this alone. At RGA, we can review your situation, assess your eligibility and lodge the application on your behalf — all you need to provide is written authority for us to act.  Get in touch with our team today before the deadline closes.

Need Help with your Business, Bookkeeping, Tax or SMSF requirements?

If you would like a little help, please get in touch with us for assistance. We can help with your business, bookkeeping, tax and SMSF requirements. To book an appointment, use our online booking system, give us a call on 07 3289 1700, or email us at reception@rgaaccounting.com.au.We look forward to assisting you this tax season!

Please also note that many of the comments in this publication are general in nature and anyone intending to apply the information to practical circumstances should seek professional advice to independently verify their interpretation and the information’s applicability to their particular circumstances. Should you have any further questions, please get in touch with us for assistance with your SMSF, business, bookkeeping and tax requirements. All rights reserved. Brought to you by RGA Business and Tax Accountants. Liability Limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.