05 Nov Black economy: electronic sales suppression tools now banned
Activities involving electronic sales suppression tools (ESSTs) and that relate to people or businesses with Australian tax obligations are now legally banned under recent changes to the law.
ESSTs come in many forms, such as:
- an external device connected to a point of sale (POS) system;
- additional software installed into otherwise-compliant software; or
- a feature or modification, like a script or code, that’s part of a POS system or software.
These tools generally misrepresent or hide income by deleting or changing electronic transaction information, and falsifying sales or POS records.
TIP: The ATO recognises some businesses may have bought POS software without knowing it contains suppression functions. There is a grace period to self-report without penalty. If you think you may be affected, contact us to find out more.
People and businesses may face penalties of up to $1Â million if they produce, supply, possess or use an ESST or knowingly assist others to do so.