The ATO has updated the small business benchmarks with 2011 data for a wide range of industries. They are financial ratios developed from information provided by businesses to the ATO on their tax returns and activity statements. They are updated annually using the latest available income tax data. The ATO use these benchmarks and other risk indicators to identify businesses that may be avoiding their tax obligations by not reporting some or all of their income. If a business does not have evidence to support their return, the ATO may use the benchmarks to determine income that has not been reported. Businesses reporting outside the benchmarks may attract ATO’s attention. If you wish to compare your business performance against others in their industry, go to the ATO's website to view the small business benchmarks http://www.ato.gov.au/Business/Small-business-benchmarks/In-detail/Benchmarks-by-industry/

The Australian Taxation Office warned that it will send letters to directors of companies that have unpaid super guarantee amounts. The letter explains the director's obligations and personal risk in relation to their company's super guarantee debt. It encourages directors to ensure their company addresses the outstanding super guarantee debt either by paying it immediately or by establishing an agreed payment plan. The letter follows changes that were made on 1 July 2012 to the tax and superannuation laws to reduce the scope for companies avoiding super guarantee liabilities.