In the blink of an eye COVID-19 transformed how we work, and as the line between the home and work office blurred, the Australian Tax Office rolled out a short-cut deduction method to help workers at tax return time. The height of the pandemic is over but flexible working arrangements are here to stay, so what's ahead for you and your clients? This episode of 'Small Firm, Big Impact, explains the new short-cut method, why it's less generous, the records you and your clients need to keep,  and whether the 'actual method' may deliver a bigger tax return. Chartered Accountants ANZ's Tax and Financial Services Expert Michael Croker joins CA ANZ Public Affairs Manager - Australia Gillian Bowen to explain.

Draft Practical Compliance Guideline

CA Library

LinkedIn Learning

How to become a Chartered Accountant

Get in touch with the podcast: podcast@charteredaccountantsanz.com

In the blink of an eye COVID-19 transformed how we work, and as the line between the home and work office blurred, the Australian Tax Office rolled out a short-cut deduction method to help workers at tax return time. The height of the pandemic is over but flexible working arrangements are here to stay, so what's ahead for you and your clients? This episode of 'Small Firm, Big Impact, explains the new short-cut method, why it's less generous, the records you and your clients need to keep,  and whether the 'actual method' may deliver a bigger tax return. Chartered Accountants ANZ's Tax and Financial Services Expert <a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/news-and-analysis/media-centre/our-experts/michael-croker#:~:text=About%20Michael%20Croker%20CA,financial%20advisory%20services%20training%20program.">Michael Croker</a> joins CA ANZ Public Affairs Manager - Australia <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-bowen-7b310215b/">Gillian Bowen</a> to explain.
<a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/law/view/document?DocID=DPC/PCG2022D4/NAT/ATO/00001">Draft Practical Compliance Guideline</a>
<a href="https://library.charteredaccountantsanz.com/cgi-bin/koha/opac-main.pl">CA Library</a>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/learning/?setupTimeGoal=false&amp;showCongrats=false&amp;u=2059500">LinkedIn Learning</a>
<a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/become-a-member/memberships/chartered-accountant#:~:text=Once%20you%20have%20successfully%20completed,longer%20processing%20times%20may%20occur.">How to become a Chartered Accountant</a>
Get in touch with the podcast: <a href="mailto:podcast@charteredaccountantsanz.com">podcast@charteredaccountantsanz.com</a>

‘Small Firm, Big Impact’ is the podcast small and medium sized practices need right now. The latest series is full of factual and practical content from experts, giving chartered accountants, the up-to-date information they need to do their jobs. Each episode Chartered Accountants ANZ Public Affairs Manager Gillian Bowen will pick the brains of a range of people across the profession including CA ANZ experts as well as guests who know a thing or two about public practice.

‘Small Firm, Big Impact’ is the podcast small and medium sized practices need right now. The latest series is full of factual and practical content from experts, giving chartered accountants, the up-to-date information they need to do their jobs. Each episode Chartered Accountants ANZ Public Affairs Manager <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-bowen-7b310215b/" aria-label="Link Gillian Bowen">Gillian Bowen</a> will pick the brains of a range of people across the profession including CA ANZ experts as well as guests who know a thing or two about public practice.

Giving Chartered Accountants, the up-to-date information they need to do their jobs.

Small Firm, Big Impact

‘Small Firm, Big Impact’ is the podcast small and medium sized practices need right now. The series is full of factual and practical content from experts, giving chartered accountants the up-to-date information they need to do their jobs. Each episode Chartered Accountants ANZ Public Affairs Manager Gillian Bowen will pick the brains of a range of people across the profession including CA ANZ experts as well as guests who know a thing or two about public practice. Find out more about CA ANZ here. Disclaimer: The opinions and statements expressed in this podcast are provided for general information only are not intended to be legal, professional or financial advice, nor do they reflect the opinions of Chartered Accountants ANZ. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Chartered Accountants ANZ is not liable for any statement or opinion, or for any error or omission in this podcast, nor is it liable for any direct, indirect, special or consequential losses or damages of any kind, or loss of profit, loss or corruption of data, business interruption or indirect costs, arising out of or in connection with this podcast or the information contained in it, whether such loss or damage arises in contract, negligence, tort, under statute, or otherwise.

‘Small Firm, Big Impact’ is the podcast small and medium sized practices need right now. The series is full of factual and practical content from experts, giving chartered accountants the up-to-date information they need to do their jobs. Each episode Chartered Accountants ANZ Public Affairs Manager <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-bowen-7b310215b/">Gillian Bowen</a> will pick the brains of a range of people across the profession including CA ANZ experts as well as guests who know a thing or two about public practice. Find out more about CA ANZ <a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/">here</a>. Disclaimer: The opinions and statements expressed in this podcast are provided for general information only are not intended to be legal, professional or financial advice, nor do they reflect the opinions of Chartered Accountants ANZ. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Chartered Accountants ANZ is not liable for any statement or opinion, or for any error or omission in this podcast, nor is it liable for any direct, indirect, special or consequential losses or damages of any kind, or loss of profit, loss or corruption of data, business interruption or indirect costs, arising out of or in connection with this podcast or the information contained in it, whether such loss or damage arises in contract, negligence, tort, under statute, or otherwise.

The ATO's New Working from Home Deduction Method

Join Lisa Lintern, Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA ANZ) Group Executive External Affairs as she interviews Naomi Walsh FCA, the new CA ANZ President, about her goals for the year ahead.

Naomi shares her passion for supporting regional members, celebrates the diverse career paths Chartered Accountants can pursue, and highlights the importance of core skills and ethics in emerging fields like AI and sustainability.

Tune in for practical insights and inspiration for smaller firm leaders and ambitious CAs.

Resources referred to in this episode:
Naomi’s President’s Letter in Acuity (link to come)
The latest CA ANZ Remuneration Survey (link to come)
The CA ANZ Commitment
Contact the podcast

Join <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-lintern-comms/">Lisa Lintern</a>, Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA ANZ) Group Executive External Affairs as she interviews <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/walshnaomi/">Naomi Walsh FCA</a>, the new CA ANZ President, about her goals for the year ahead.
Naomi shares her passion for supporting regional members, celebrates the diverse career paths Chartered Accountants can pursue, and highlights the importance of core skills and ethics in emerging fields like AI and sustainability.
Tune in for practical insights and inspiration for smaller firm leaders and ambitious CAs.
Resources referred to in this episode:
<ul>
<li>Naomi&rsquo;s President&rsquo;s Letter in Acuity (link to come)</li>
<li>The latest CA ANZ Remuneration Survey (link to come)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/news-and-analysis/news/the-chartered-accountants-commitment">The CA ANZ Commitment</a></li>
<li><a href="mailto:podcast@charteredaccountantsanz.com">Contact the podcast</a></li>
</ul>

Plans for the 2026 CA ANZ Presidency

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a34d9ae1-e217-41ad-8f3d-aae30005ee78/clips/357e0be9-57e3-41db-8cde-b3ce016ad946/transcript

Kristen Wydell, General Manager – Professional Standards, returns to Small Firm, Big Impact to demystify Certificates of Public Practice (CPP) for members based in Australia.

Listen along for a clear, practical walkthrough of CPP’s for CA ANZ members. We unpack what a CPP is, who must hold one, key eligibility checklists, and application guidance.

We also explain the benefits of holding a CPP, your ongoing obligations, the consequences of providing services without a CPP, and how to cancel or re-apply when your circumstances change.

Resources referred to in this episode:
Regulation CR2 Certificate of Public Practice
Regulation CR3 Public Practice Regulation
For support contact the Professional Standards Team
PODCAST: CA ANZ’s Professional Standards Scheme – your questions
Smaller Practices Centre
Contact the podcast

 

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-wydell-11426548/">Kristen Wydell</a>, General Manager &ndash; Professional Standards, returns to Small Firm, Big Impact to demystify Certificates of Public Practice (CPP) for members based in Australia.
Listen along for a clear, practical walkthrough of CPP&rsquo;s for CA ANZ members. We unpack what a CPP is, who must hold one, key eligibility checklists, and application guidance.
We also explain the benefits of holding a CPP, your ongoing obligations, the consequences of providing services without a CPP, and how to cancel or re-apply when your circumstances change.
Resources referred to in this episode:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/member-services/member-obligations/regulations-and-guidance/australian-regulations">Regulation CR2 Certificate of Public Practice</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/member-services/member-obligations/regulations-and-guidance/australian-regulations">Regulation CR3 Public Practice Regulation</a></li>
<li>For support contact the <a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/contact-us">Professional Standards Team</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/news-and-analysis/news/podcasts/small-firm-big-impact/s5e7-ca-anzs-professional-standards-scheme">PODCAST: CA ANZ&rsquo;s Professional Standards Scheme &ndash; your questions</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/member-services/your-member-benefits/smaller-practices-centre">Smaller Practices Centre</a></li>
<li><a href="mailto:podcast@charteredaccountantsanz.com">Contact the podcast</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Your guide to Certificates of Public Practice (AU)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a34d9ae1-e217-41ad-8f3d-aae30005ee78/clips/b91e9026-c6f9-4192-9bc4-b3b80015616c/transcript

Ruth Owen, the Taxation Ombudsman is back on Small Firm, Big Impact to unpack the findings of the recent review into the ATO’s Registered Agent Phone Line. If you’ve ever faced long wait times, struggled to get the right advice, or wondered what’s being done to improve your experience as a registered agent, this conversation is for you. 

Ruth shares what the review uncovered, the recommendations made to the ATO, and how these changes could impact your day-to-day work. We also discuss the future of Online Services for Agents (OSfA), the importance of connecting with knowledgeable ATO staff, and how you can get involved in shaping the next round of improvements.  

Plus, get a sneak peek into the upcoming review of the ATO’s remission of general interest charge (GIC) - a hot topic for many agents. 

Tune in for practical insights, expert commentary, and resources to help you stay ahead in practice. 

*Update 4 December 2025: The Tax Ombudsman’s refreshed work plan FY25/26 (referenced at 18:55 in this episode) has been released with Compromised Accounts deferred and replaced with the ATO’s use of Director Penalty Notices.

Resources referred to in this episode: 
CA ANZ submission on ATO Registered Agent Phone Line 
Tax Ombudsman report on Registered Agent Phone Line 
Tax Ombudsman review of Online Services for Agents (review yet to commence) 
Tax Ombudsman review of ATO’s management of remission of the general interest charge (GIC) (submissions closed) 
CA ANZ submission to Tax Ombudsman’s review on remission of general interest charge 
CA ANZ submission on the draft ATO concessions framework 
CA ANZ response to Tax Ombudsman’s 2025-26 work plan (May 2025) 
CA ANZ submission to Tax Ombudsman’s 2026 workplan refresh (November 2025) 
Tax Ombudsman’s refreshed work plan FY25/26
Smaller Practices Centre 
Contact the podcast 
Small Firm, Big Impact podcast  

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-owen-cbe-gaicd-b4b1291/">Ruth Owen</a>, the Taxation Ombudsman is back on Small Firm, Big Impact to unpack the findings of the recent review into the ATO&rsquo;s Registered Agent Phone Line. If you&rsquo;ve ever faced long wait times, struggled to get the right advice, or wondered what&rsquo;s being done to improve your experience as a registered agent, this conversation is for you.&nbsp;
Ruth shares what the review uncovered, the recommendations made to the ATO, and how these changes could impact your day-to-day work. We also discuss the future of Online Services for Agents (OSfA), the importance of connecting with knowledgeable ATO staff, and how you can get involved in shaping the next round of improvements.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Plus, get a sneak peek into the upcoming review of the ATO&rsquo;s remission of general interest charge (GIC) - a hot topic for many agents.&nbsp;
Tune in for practical insights, expert commentary, and resources to help you stay ahead in practice.&nbsp;
*Update 4 December 2025: The Tax Ombudsman&rsquo;s refreshed work plan FY25/26 (referenced at 18:55 in this episode) has been released with Compromised Accounts deferred and replaced with the ATO&rsquo;s use of Director Penalty Notices.
Resources referred to in this episode:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/news-and-analysis/advocacy/policy-submissions/submission-to-tax-ombudsman-on-review-of-ato-agent-phone-line">CA ANZ submission on ATO Registered Agent Phone Line</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.taxombudsman.gov.au/reviews_reports/systemic-review-of-the-effectiveness-of-the-atos-registered-agent-phone-line/">Tax Ombudsman report on Registered Agent Phone Line</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.taxombudsman.gov.au/reviews_reports/review-ato-online-services-for-agents/">Tax Ombudsman review of Online Services for Agents</a> (review yet to commence)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.taxombudsman.gov.au/reviews_reports/atos-management-of-remission-of-the-general-interest-charge/">Tax Ombudsman review of ATO&rsquo;s management of remission of the general interest charge (GIC)</a> (submissions closed)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/member-services/technical/tax/tax-in-focus/submission-to-tax-ombudsmans-review-on-remission-of-general-interest-charge">CA ANZ submission to Tax Ombudsman&rsquo;s review on remission of general interest charge</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/news-and-analysis/advocacy/policy-submissions/submission-on-the-draft-ato-concessions-framework">CA ANZ submission on the draft ATO concessions framework</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/news-and-analysis/advocacy/policy-submissions/submission-on-tax-ombudsmans-2025-26-work-plan">CA ANZ response to Tax Ombudsman&rsquo;s 2025-26 work plan</a> (May 2025)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/news-and-analysis/advocacy/policy-submissions/submission-to-tax-ombudsmans-2026-workplan-refresh">CA ANZ submission to Tax Ombudsman&rsquo;s 2026 workplan refresh</a> (November 2025)&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.taxombudsman.gov.au/publications/reviews-refreshed-work-plan-fy25-26/">Tax Ombudsman&rsquo;s refreshed work plan FY25/26</a></li>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/member-services/your-member-benefits/smaller-practices-centre">Smaller Practices Centre</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="10" data-aria-level="1"><a href="mailto:podcast@charteredaccountantsanz.com">Contact the podcast</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="11" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/news-and-analysis/podcasts/small-firm-big-impact">Small Firm, Big Impact</a> podcast&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

What’s Next for the ATO Agent Phone Line?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a34d9ae1-e217-41ad-8f3d-aae30005ee78/clips/ef0dbce5-75dc-4f33-b64b-b3a8008588f0/transcript

The ATO's New Working from Home Deduction Method

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