Business Tax Bill & Cash Flow Finance
Big BAS, PAYG or income tax bill coming up, and can't put it on the credit card any more? From 1 December 2026 the ATO no longer accepts credit cards. Tell us about your business and what's due, and we'll pass your enquiry to a licensed finance broker who works with a range of business lenders. It takes about 60 seconds and there's no credit check to enquire.
- No credit check to enquire
- Free to enquire, with no obligation to go ahead
- A licensed broker calls you, usually within one business day
Check my eligibility
About 60 seconds. No credit check to enquire.
Who we help
- Businesses that used a credit card for tax: and now need another way to smooth out BAS and income tax payments
- Businesses on an ATO payment plan: including plans that were paid from a credit card
- Seasonal businesses: where tax falls due in a quiet month
- Growing businesses: whose tax bills have grown faster than their cash reserves
- Sole traders, companies and trusts with an active ABN
What's changed at the ATO
- No more credit cards after 30 November 2026. The ATO says it isn't appropriate for a government agency to pass card fees on to the community. You can still pay by BPAY, direct deposit, direct debit from a bank account, Government EasyPay or at Australia Post.
- Payment plans linked to a credit card must be switched to another payment method before the first instalment due after 30 November 2026.
- Interest on overdue tax isn't deductible any more. The general interest charge (GIC) is 11.51% a year for October to December 2026, and GIC incurred from 1 July 2025 can't be claimed as a deduction.
- Large overdue debts can affect your credit file. The ATO can report business tax debts of $100,000 or more that are over 90 days overdue to credit reporting bureaus if the business isn't engaging with it, for example through a payment plan.
Ways businesses fund tax bills
| Option | How it works | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| ATO payment plan | Pay the debt off in instalments. Plans under $200,000 can often be set up online. | GIC applies and isn't deductible. Keep to the plan to avoid further action. |
| Business overdraft | A limit on your business transaction account that you dip into and repay as cash comes in. | Usually needs trading history and often security. Interest is charged on what you use. |
| Business line of credit | A revolving facility you draw down when tax or other bills fall due. | Flexible, but fees can apply on the full limit. Some lenders offer it unsecured. |
| Short-term business loan | A lump sum repaid over a set term, often 3 to 24 months. | Fast and simple, but often priced higher than secured lending. Compare the total cost. |
| Invoice finance | Borrow against unpaid invoices from your customers. | Suits businesses that invoice other businesses on payment terms. |
Which option suits depends on how much is due, how quickly your cash flow recovers and what the total cost is once fees are included. Before borrowing to pay tax, talk to your accountant about the tax treatment of the interest and whether an ATO payment plan is the better fit.
What lenders look at
- Your ATO position: an integrated client account or portal statement showing what's owed and any payment plan
- Trading history and turnover: BAS, bank statements and, for larger facilities, financial statements
- Cash flow: whether repayments fit comfortably alongside your other commitments
- Credit history: for the business and its directors or owners, who are often asked to give personal guarantees
- Security: property or business assets, for secured facilities
How it works
- Tell us about your business and the tax bill in the short form below.
- A licensed broker calls you, usually within one business day, to talk through your options.
- If it suits you, they handle the application with a lender that fits your circumstances.
What you'll usually need
- Your ABN and business details
- Recent BAS and business bank statements
- An ATO statement showing the amount due and any payment plan
- Financial statements or tax returns for larger amounts
- ID for directors or owners
Every lender has its own criteria, so your broker will tell you exactly what's needed for your situation.
Business finance guides
- How BAS statements affect business loan approval
- Documents needed for ABN finance
- What happens if you default on ABN finance
- How GST affects business vehicle finance
- Small business car loans
- Equipment finance
Common questions
Can I still pay my tax bill with a credit card?
Only until 30 November 2026. After that the ATO no longer accepts credit cards. You can still pay by BPAY, direct deposit, direct debit from a bank account, Government EasyPay or in person at Australia Post.
I have an ATO payment plan linked to a credit card. What do I need to do?
Change the payment method before your first instalment due after 30 November 2026, or you risk defaulting on the plan. The ATO is writing to affected taxpayers, and you can update the plan in online services or with your tax agent.
Is an ATO payment plan cheaper than a business loan?
Not always. The general interest charge on overdue tax is 11.51% a year for October to December 2026 and is no longer tax deductible from 1 July 2025. A business loan may cost more or less depending on your profile, so compare the total cost with your accountant and a broker.
Will an ATO debt stop me getting business finance?
Not necessarily, but lenders will ask about it. A debt that's on a payment plan you're keeping to is viewed very differently from one that's overdue with no arrangement. Business tax debts of $100,000 or more that are over 90 days overdue can be reported to credit bureaus if you're not engaging with the ATO.
Can I use equipment or vehicle finance to pay tax?
Asset finance is for buying or refinancing assets, not paying tax directly. Some businesses refinance vehicles or equipment they own outright to free up cash, but that's a separate decision with its own costs and should be weighed up with your accountant.
Does enquiring affect my credit score?
No. Filling in our enquiry form isn't a credit application. A credit check only happens if you choose to go ahead with an application through the broker.