Update, 9 October 2026: The government announced it will fund the ATO to keep accepting credit card payments until 30 June 2027. This replaces the 30 November 2026 date the ATO announced earlier this month and this article first reported.¹

What's changing

The ATO had announced it would stop accepting credit card payments for tax and BAS after 30 November 2026.² The government’s announcement provides transitional funding so the ATO can keep accepting credit card payments until 30 June 2027.¹ Other payment methods aren’t affected and remain available.³

According to the announcement, after 30 June 2027 credit card payments will still be possible through third parties, alongside free and low-fee methods like debit card and bank transfer.¹

Why it’s happening

This follows the Reserve Bank of Australia's surcharging reforms, which started on 1 October 2026.² The ATO said it isn’t tenable for it to absorb the cost of accepting credit cards, with merchant fees estimated at almost $200 million a year.² The government’s announcement says the ATO asked card companies for lower fees, they didn’t offer rates low enough, and the ATO will keep talking to them.¹

What to do

• If you pay by credit card now: you can keep doing so until 30 June 2027. It’s still worth deciding what you’ll use instead. Direct debit, BPAY and other methods are listed at ato.gov.au/howtopay.³

• If you’re on an ATO payment plan with a credit card linked to it: the ATO’s earlier advice was to update the payment method before your next instalment after 30 November 2026. It hasn’t yet said how the delay affects payment plans, so check with the ATO or talk to us before changing anything.

• If you’re having trouble paying: contact the ATO or your registered tax professional as early as possible.²

What this means for you

You have more time, but updating a payment method is easy to put off. We’re happy to help you set up the right alternative — just let us know.