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Payment plans

Setting up a payment plan to pay the tax you owe.

Published 24 October 2024

What is a payment plan

It’s important to lodge and pay your tax bills in full and on time. If you're experiencing financial difficulties, you may be eligible to set up a payment plan with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

A payment plan allows you to break down your payment into smaller amounts that are made in instalments. These payment instalments are spread over the shortest possible fixed time period. When you set up a payment plan, you pay an agreed sum of money weekly, fortnightly or monthly until the full amount has been paid.

Tax debts on a payment plan continue to accrue general interest charge (GIC), which compounds daily. You’ll need to make an upfront payment to start a payment plan. Repayments should be completed within the shortest possible timeframe to help reduce the GIC that you’ll pay.