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Tax News October 2026 – Changes to card surcharging rules

354From 1 October, 2026, Businesses can no longer add a surcharge for payment using Visa cards, Mastercard, American Express and EFTPOS cards. 

  • The new rules only apply to card payment surcharges. They do not apply to other fees or surcharges, such as weekend and public holiday surcharges. 

  • Businesses can adjust prices to recover the cost of accepting card payments but must not give false or misleading information about prices or the reasons for any price increases. (Source: ACCC). 

ATO - Implications for some small Businesses: 

In response to pressure from Business groups and the Opposition, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced that the ATO has delayed the tax office credit card payment ban until the end of June next year. 

It was reported that the tax office is now extending its consultation after employer groups argued that a credit card payment ban would create cashflow problems for small Businesses that had to pay off a tax liability, which could potentially see customers hit with higher prices.

If you have questions or concerns with any taxation matters, your obligations, responsibilities, or reporting, contact us at Blackburn Accounting. Our team is here to help guide you and provide answers and solutions.