Will your tax debt go on your business credit file?
The tax office can report some unpaid business tax debts to credit reporting agencies. This can make it harder to get finance, leases or supplier credit. The good news: engaging early usually stops it.
✔ Registered tax agent✔ Confidential✔ In person or online, Australia-wide
Got a notice of intent to report? You generally have 28 days to act. Call 0466 268 405 today.
When can a debt be reported?
Generally, all of these must apply:
- The business has an ABN and is not an excluded entity
- It has at least $100,000 of tax debt overdue by more than 90 days
- It is not effectively engaging to manage the debt – for example no payment plan
- It does not have an active complaint with the Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman about the reporting
The 28-day notice
Before reporting, the tax office sends a written notice. You generally have 28 days to engage – for example by paying, or by agreeing to a payment plan. If you do, the debt is not reported.
Already reported?
The tax office should ask for the information to be removed once the debt is paid or you are effectively engaging, such as keeping to a payment plan.
How UV TAX can help
- Bring BAS and returns up to date so the debt figure is accurate
- Prepare a cash flow based payment plan
- Talk to the tax office on your behalf before the 28 days run out
- Help you plan for future tax so it does not happen again
⚠️ General information only – not tax or legal advice. UV TAX is a registered tax agent, not a law firm, and cannot give legal advice. Where legal advice is needed we will tell you so you can speak with a lawyer. Reporting decisions are made by the tax office. This page is a simple overview as at November 2026 and does not consider your personal circumstances. Laws, rates and thresholds change, and outcomes are decided by the tax office or the courts – UV TAX cannot guarantee any result. Please get advice for your situation before acting.
Stop it before it hits your credit file
Free consultation and a fixed-fee quote before we start.
0466 268 405Frequently asked questions
Which tax debts can be reported?
Generally business debts of $100,000 or more that are more than 90 days overdue, where the business is not engaging to manage the debt.
How much warning do I get?
The tax office sends a written notice, and you generally have 28 days to engage before the debt is reported.
Does a payment plan stop reporting?
Generally yes. Agreeing to and keeping a payment plan is one way to show you are engaging.
Can it be removed later?
Yes. The tax office should ask for it to be removed once the debt is paid or you are effectively engaging.
Related
General information current as at November 2026.