As tax time approaches, so does a spike in scam activity – posing a real threat to both individuals and small businesses.  

In this episode, we’ll explore the latest scam trends and what accountants, tax agents and business owners need to know to protect themselves and their clients. 

By listening, you’ll gain: 

 * Awareness of current scam tactics targeting taxpayers in 2025 

 * Insights into ATO impersonation scams, including red flags and pressure tactics used by scammers 

 * Comparisons to previous years, with key differences in scam behaviour for 2025 

 * Guidance for tax agents on how to support and educate clients 

 * Best practices for verifying ATO communication 

 * An introduction to myID and its role in strengthening identity protection 

Tax time 2025: How to stay safe from scams

 

Succession planning is a critical topic. Understanding how to navigate succession planning is crucial for accountants, financial professionals and those involved in wealth management.   

In this second episode in the Tax Time 2025 series, you’ll learn about the key points of wealth transfer and what you need to know about succession planning, including:  

 * Current trends  

 * Regulatory aspects  

 * Tax considerations for private groups 

 * Capital gains tax (GGT) in relation to succession planning 

Tune in to gain valuable insights into effective strategies for ensuring a smooth transition of wealth while meeting compliance requirements. 

Listen now.  

Host: Jenny Wong [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-wong-3b3b4a2a/], Tax Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia 

Guest: Jenny Lin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyjlin/], Assistant Commissioner, Private Wealth, Australian Taxation Office 

For information related to this episode, head to the ATO [https://www.ato.gov.au/] website for information on succession planning  [https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/corporate-tax-measures-and-assurance/privately-owned-and-wealthy-groups/tax-governance/tax-governance-guide-for-privately-owned-groups/succession-planning] 

Additionally, you can listen to

Tax time 2025: Navigating succession planning

Stay informed and prepared with the latest updates relevant to small business this tax season. 

In this episode, gain critical insights to help small business clients successfully navigate Tax Time 2025. 

Key topics covered include: 

 * Current ATO focus areas 

 * Specific tax considerations for small business owners 

 * Practical strategies to support compliance and informed decision-making 

Designed for CPA Australia members and the broader business community, this episode offers actionable guidance to help you stay ahead of regulatory changes and support your clients with confidence. 

Host: Jenny Wong [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-wong-3b3b4a2a/], Tax Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia 

Guest:  Angela Allen, Assistant Commissioner, Small Business Experience, Australian Taxation Office, (ATO) 

For guidance and information related to this episode, head to the ATO [https://www.ato.gov.au/] website, where you'll find these helpful pages: 

 * Small business focus areas [https://ato.gov.au/sbfocusareas] 

 * 

Tax time 2025: Small business essentials

This four-part tax time 2025 series provides you with comprehensive coverage of topics tailored to assist Australian accountants, finance professionals and their clients.  

In this first episode, learn about the latest updates from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), as well as key information on: 

 * Deductions 

 * Record keeping 

 * Investments 

 * Digital tools 

 * ATO focus areas 

This episode will help ensure you and your clients are well prepared for tax season in 2025.   

Listen now.  

Host: Jenny Wong [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-wong-3b3b4a2a/], tax lead, policy and advocacy, CPA Australia 

Guest: Rob Thomson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-thomson-7354318b/], assistant commissioner at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

For links related to this episode, head to the ATO [https://www.ato.gov.au/] website for information on: 

Tax time 2025: What you need to know

What does good governance in the not-for-profit (NFP) sector look like?  

In this episode of With Interest, we’ll explore the frameworks, challenges and opportunities shaping NFP leadership today. 

Gain practical insights into: 

What good governance really means for NFPs 

 * The top governance challenges NFPs face in the Australian context 

 * The link between sound fiscal management and accountability 

 * Real-world examples of governance that made a measurable difference 

 * Actionable steps directors can take to enhance governance in their organisations 

 * Useful tools and resources from CPA Australia and AICD Whether you're a director, advisor or part of an NFP board, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help your organisation build trust, improve oversight and stay compliant in a complex regulatory environment. 

Tune in for expert commentary and sector-specific advice that will help you lead with purpose and responsibility. 

Host: Ram Subramanian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ram-subramanian-75896b35/], external reporting lead, CPA Australia 

Co-host: Joss Fenton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joss-fenton-84497419/] FCPA

A director’s guide to stronger NFP governance

With the federal election decided, attention turns to the road ahead for Australian businesses and the newly re-elected government's agenda.  

This special episode delves into the critical economic challenges and opportunities ahead, offering expert perspectives on navigating the evolving landscape.  

Explore Australia's current economic position – its strengths and weaknesses – and what priorities the Treasurer should focus on. 

Listen now for a comprehensive briefing on the economic outlook covering: 

 * Key priorities for the Treasurer based on Australia's economic health 

 * The ripple effects of US policy and tariffs on Australian sectors 

 * Policy levers the government can pull to navigate challenges 

 * CPA Australia's "three R" recommendations for business and community improvement 

 * How government’s zero-risk approach affects business 

Post-election insights: What business needs to know

In this second instalment of a special two-part episode, a respected panel of industry experts dive deeper into the insights from CPA Australia’s 2025 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey. 

This landmark small business survey – launched at Parliament House in Canberra in March – captures data from over 4200 small businesses across the Asia-Pacific, including more than 500 Australian businesses, providing a timely snapshot of their performance, challenges and future priorities. 

From sole traders and family-run operations to service providers, these are the enterprises that power the region’s economies – and the businesses CPA Australia and its members support every day. 

Listen and learn key insights from a lively debate with highly respected industry voices discussing critical issues for small business in Australia and APAC.  

 * Presenter: Elinor Kasapidis, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elinor-kasapidis-00852765/?originalSubdomain=au] Chief of Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia  

Panel: 

 * Yasmin Coe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmin-coe-fcpa-7a529520a/] FCPA, President of CPA Australia ACT Division
 * Angad Soin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angadsoin/], Xero Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand and Global Chief Strategy Officer
 * Bruce Billson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-hon-bruce-billson-gaicd-09568a41/] GAICD, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
 * Gavin Ord, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavan-ord-78b2611a/] Business Investment and International Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia 

 

CPA Australia’s 2025 edition of its Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/business-management/small-business-resources/small-business-survey] is available online and offers deep insights into the challenges small businesses are facing in Australia and APAC.  

You can also read CPA Australia’s

CPA Australia’s APAC small business survey (part 2)

In this first of a two-part With Interest, we’ll explore key findings from CPA Australia’s 2025 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey, which was unveiled at Parliament House in Canberra.  

In part one, CPA Australia’s Gavin Ord unpacks the economic and operational challenges SMEs are facing – from cash flow pressures and access to finance, to workforce fatigue, productivity and talent retention – all within today’s demanding business environment.  

This annual survey captures the experiences of 4200 small businesses across the region – including more than 500 in Australia – offering a timely snapshot of their performance, priorities and pain points. 

From sole traders and family-run builders to growing e-commerce retailers and service providers, these are the businesses that CPA Australia and its members work with every day. 

Part two will feature a panel discussion with industry experts who dig deeper into the implications and opportunities behind the survey’s key data. 

Presenter: Gavin Ord, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavan-ord-78b2611a/] Business Investment and International Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia 

You can read CPA Australia’s Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey a [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/business-management/small-business-resources/small-business-survey]nd CPA Australia’s media release [https://cpaaustralia-my.sharepoint.com/personal/garreth_hanley_cpaaustralia_com_au/_layouts/15/onedrive.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fgarreth%5Fhanley%5Fcpaaustralia%5Fcom%5Fau%2FDocuments%2FPODCAST%20PRODUCTION%20FOLDERS%2F2025%2FWITH%20INTEREST%20podcast%202025%2FWI%5F005%5FSmall%20Business%20Survey%20Launch%20%2D%20ep%201%20and%202%2FSmall%20business%20survey%202025%20release%201%2Epdf&parent=%2Fpersonal%2Fgarreth%5Fhanley%5Fcpaaustralia%5Fcom%5Fau%2FDocuments%2FPODCAST%20PRODUCTION%20FOLDERS%2F2025%2FWITH%20INTEREST%20podcast%202025%2FWI%5F005%5FSmall%20Business%20Survey%20Launch%20%2D%20ep%201%20and%202&ga=1] which calls for Government to urgently prioritise small business issues.  

You can find a CPA at our custom portal [https://apbusinesse.tralia.com.au/find-a-cpa/] on the CPA Australia website.  

Would you like to listen to more With Interest episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel. [https://www.youtube.com/@CPAaustralia/podcasts]  

CPA Australia publishes four podcasts [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts], providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:  

 * With Interest [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/with-interest]

CPA Australia’s APAC small business survey (part 1)

In this episode, learn some of the key challenges facing accountants in their dealings with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and what you can expect in 2025.  

Gain an overview of the challenges faced by small businesses, who account for 65 per cent of the ATO's debt, and the increasing pressures on both tax agents and taxpayers. 

Dive into the ATO's renewed focus on tax debt recovery, especially the significant rise in unpaid taxes post-COVID.  

Learn the importance of early engagement with the ATO to avoid enforcement actions like garnishee notices and director penalty notices (DPNs). 

Key areas in this episode 

 * Impact of COVID on ATO's $50 billion debt book. 

 * Importance of early engagement and payment plans. 

 * Consequences for non-payment, including garnishee notices and DPNs. 

 * ATO's new initiatives to address GIC remission requests and improve timeliness. 

 * The ATO's approach to vulnerable taxpayers and improving service for tax agents. 

ATO guide for business owners and tax practitioners

The CPA Australia Podcast brings you the best in on-demand commentary and thought leadership across a variety of topics related to business, leadership and accounting. Each week, our podcast will help you increase your knowledge of business related topics and point you to some of the world’s best resources in strategy, finance and public practice accounting. Never miss an episode by subscribing today via iTunes.

CPA Podcast Team

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