If high fuel prices have put pressure on your cash flow, there is a date you may have missed. The ATO's Fuel Response Payment Plan was open from 1 April to 30 June 2026 and is no longer available for new applications. The good news is that help has not disappeared. The ATO says support for businesses affected by high fuel prices has moved to its standard support options.

What the special plan was

When the Treasurer announced the relief on 1 April, it was described as temporary support for businesses that could not meet their tax obligations because of fuel supply issues. The special plan terms reported at the time, including no upfront payment and 36 monthly instalments, no longer apply to new applications.

What is still available

According to the ATO, the standard options include:

  • Payment plans. If you owe $200,000 or less, you may be able to set one up through ATO online services or the self-help phone line.
  • Remission of penalties and interest in appropriate circumstances.
  • Varying your PAYG instalments if your income has fallen.
  • Priority processing of tax returns.
  • Discretion not to offset certain credits against debts.

The ATO also says that if you are still affected by high fuel prices, you should contact it or your registered tax professional to talk through the support available.

What to do

  • Lodge first. The Treasurer stressed at the time that businesses should still lodge. Overdue BAS and returns make every other conversation harder.
  • Contact the ATO early. Reach out before a due date passes, not after. A payment plan does not reduce what you owe, it only spreads it out.
  • Know your numbers. Have a current cash flow forecast and your latest figures ready, so you can show what you can realistically pay.
  • Check your fuel tax credits. If you are eligible, make sure you are claiming every dollar you are entitled to on your BAS.
  • Talk to your lender too. Some banks offered options like payment deferrals and restructures when the relief was announced.

This is general information only and does not take your circumstances into account. Check the ATO website or speak to a registered tax professional before making decisions.