ATO Tax Debt Help & Payment Plans
Owing money to the tax office is stressful – but ignoring it makes it worse. Interest builds up daily, and debts can lead to garnishee notices or legal action. As a registered tax agent, UV TAX can talk to the tax office for you and help you get a plan in place.
✔ Registered tax agent✔ Free consultation✔ 100% online, Australia-wide
Your options
Payment plan
Pay your debt in instalments you can afford. Many plans can be set up quickly once your lodgements are up to date.
Lodge everything first
Overdue returns or BAS can lead to estimated assessments. Getting lodgements up to date often reduces the debt.
Interest remission
In some cases you can ask for interest charges to be reduced.
Hardship
If paying would cause serious hardship, other options may be available.
Interest on tax debts
General interest charge (GIC) and shortfall interest charge (SIC) are added to unpaid tax. Since 1 July 2025, these interest charges are no longer tax-deductible, so paying off tax debt has become even more important.
Warning signs not to ignore
- Letters about overdue amounts or default assessments
- Your tax refund being used to pay a debt
- A garnishee notice to your bank or employer
- Debt being reported to credit reporting agencies (for some businesses)
- Director penalty notices for company directors
Company directors: unpaid PAYG withholding or super can lead to director penalty notices, which can make directors personally liable. Get advice straight away if you receive one.
How UV TAX helps
- Review what you owe and why
- Lodge overdue returns and BAS
- Negotiate a realistic payment plan on your behalf
- Request interest remission where appropriate
- Set up systems so it doesn’t happen again
⚠️ General information only – not tax or legal advice. Payment plan approval, interest remission and other outcomes are decided by the tax office. UV TAX cannot guarantee any result. This page is a simple overview as at November 2026 and does not consider your personal circumstances. Tax laws, rates and thresholds change regularly. Please get advice for your situation before acting.
Get on top of your tax debt today
Free consultation and a fixed-fee quote before we start.
0466 268 405Frequently asked questions
Can I get a payment plan for my tax debt?
Many individuals and businesses can. Having all your returns and BAS lodged usually makes it easier.
Is interest on tax debt deductible?
Not since 1 July 2025. GIC and SIC incurred on or after that date are not deductible.
What happens if I ignore a tax debt?
Interest keeps growing and the tax office can take stronger action, including garnishee notices or legal recovery.
Can you deal with the tax office for me?
Yes. As a registered tax agent, we can contact the tax office on your behalf.
Related
General information current as at November 2026.