ATO Tax Debt
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For Tradies & Business Owners
Clear the ATO debt and get your cash flow back.
It usually starts small: a BAS you couldn't quite cover, or a tax bill came in bigger than you expected. Then a payment plan, then another. Now the debt's growing and the letters keep coming.
You're not the only one in this spot; the key is dealing with it before it starts dealing with you. That's where Up Finance can help.
Why ATO Tax Debt Can't Wait
The leniency of the COVID years is over, and the ATO is now actively chasing overdue debt, including older debts that were sitting on hold.
Interest is charged daily on what you owe, and since 1 July 2025, it's no longer tax-deductible. Overdue business tax debts over $100,000 can also be reported to credit agencies, making it harder to borrow down the track.
For company directors, the ATO can issue Director Penalty Notices that make you personally liable. It can also issue garnishee notices to take money straight from your account.
How We Help With ATO Debt
If you own property with enough equity, we may be able to help you refinance and clear the ATO debt in one hit. Allowing you to swap a growing tax bill for one structured repayment, generally at a lower rate than the ATO charges.
Got ute finance, cards or personal loans too? We can look at rolling those in also.
Lenders Who'll Actually Say Yes
Not every bank will lend to someone with tax debt.
We know which ones will, including specialist lenders who look at the full picture, not just your last tax return.
Stay Ahead of the Next Tax Bill
Keep lodging on time, even if you can't pay yet, as it keeps your options open.
From there, work with your accountant to set money aside each quarter, so the next BAS doesn't sting.
ATO Tax Debt - Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really use my home loan to pay off ATO debt?
Yes, if you own property with enough equity. Not every lender allows it, but plenty of specialist lenders do. We know which ones, so you're not wasting time on applications that go nowhere.
Should I just stay on my ATO payment plan?
It depends. A payment plan can work if it's manageable, but the ATO charges interest daily, and that interest is no longer tax deductible. Refinancing can mean a lower rate and one repayment, but it also spreads the debt over a longer term.
Will having ATO debt stop me from getting a loan?
Not necessarily, as lenders want to see that you're dealing with it, so keeping your lodgements up to date and having a plan in place makes a big difference.
What if I'm behind on my tax returns or BAS?
Talk to your accountant about getting your lodgements up to date as ASAP. Most lenders will need recent returns or your BAS to assess the application. We can work alongside your accountant to line things up too.
Can I roll in other debts at the same time?
Yes. If you've also got ute finance, credit cards or personal loans, we can look at consolidating everything into one repayment.
I've received a Director Penalty Notice. What should I do?
Act quickly. Director Penalty Notices have tight deadlines, so speak with your accountant or a legal adviser straight away. If refinancing is part of the solution, get in touch with us early so we can move fast.
What documents do I need?
Usually your ID, your ATO statement of account, latest tax returns or BAS, your home loan statement, and statements for any other debts. We'll send a checklist after the first chat.
How long does it take?
Once we have everything, most refinances settle within a few weeks. Specialist lending can sometimes take a little longer, so the sooner you reach out, the better.
Ready to get the ATO sorted?
Book a free, no-obligation chat, and we'll give you a clear look at all your options.