ATO (tax office) payments by credit card

[Moopere]

I now have some warehoused points in 3 locations so those Kris Miles don't expire.

This might be 'sensitive' information so its ok if no answer, but as I'm looking for a way to warehouse at KF I thought I'd better ask - how are you doing this? Transfers between accounts? Some other method? The expiry of KF points is the main reason I never keep any points there ... unless I'm imminently going to use them.

 

[hossein_au]

i have a us tax id no. is that the same as a SSN and ok to apply for a usd credit card? anyone done a amex global transfer ? were you forced to closed some of your Australian credit cards? i tried doing a amex global transfer application to nz and then said i have to close two of my aussie credit cards first as im only allowed to have 2 lending products. anyone have expereince on this? can one still reinstate a closed card once the global transfer is completed?

These are two distinct questions:
1) SSN: I am not sure if what you have is a US social security number (NNS). Having a SSN may not strictly be a requirement for getting a US-based credit card, but in practice it might be close to impossible.
2) AmEx global transfer: I am not sure about AmEx, I tried it with Citi but I did not get far; I might try it when I am physically in the US (which won't happen for the next 4 years or so). If you indeed have a SSN, you should be able to get a US-based CC card relatively easily, so you might not need the global transfer after all.

 

[cove]

Chase Sapphire and Amex Premier Rewards in the US warehouse points and Westpac Black Amex do the same in OZ. My biggest Kris warehouse is with Citi Prestige but that one is no good for ATO and they are changing their rules in June (adversely).
We have SSNs so both of us have US Amex cards and we get deluged with offers to upgrade and get sign on bonuses.

 

[d00dz]

Hmm I just opened my MyGov, and it seems I have a 5.6k CR on my account. I stopped the bussiness. There is a pay option still. Does that mean I can still pay money to the ATO using my credit cards paying 0.54% and at a later date get a cash refund to my bank account? LOLOL

 

[albyd]

Last chance before Australian issued MC and Visa are not worth using with the new interchange regulations reducing point earn.

 

[cove]

Yes albyd it is getting much closer to RBA "enhancement day". Feels a bit odd with the thought of not sticking mobs of ATO on various Australian credit cards.
What will we do with all our spare time?

 

[albyd]

Try to make the game go on for a little longer. I've taken to buying Visa GCs from Woolies although $100 ones are hard to find now ... assuming I'm not the only one with that idea.
Luckily I have my Citi US card. Hopefully the $A will stay around 75c so 0.75ppd with less time commitment than the Visa strategy will still yield an acceptable return.

 

[cove]

Trumpie just helped by saying he wanted US interest rates to stay low and he doesn't want a strong US dollar. Up went $AUD as a result of these thought bubbles.

 

[albyd]

Yep that has helped. Was looking like we were headed back to low 70s. Would love to put all my non-Amex spend on this card but not keen to manage the FX risk. With ATO, I hedge immediately so my points don't cost me a whole lot more if the currency drops a few cents.
Currently looking at culling most of my cards. Monthly reconciliation will be a lot easier now. Amex has it all and one 'backup' MC/Visa once the dust settles.

 

[cove]

With foreign exchange to pay the US CCs I have done quite well so that 0.54% fee is often reduced to zero.
It can be risky to let it ride as no one can get Forex correct every time.

 

[wazza888]

Is there a limit on the number of giftcards used to pay your quarterly? How many is too many?

 

[cove]

The ATO don't mind.....as long as you pay them somehow or other by the due date.

 

[wazza888]

The ATO don't mind.....as long as you pay them somehow or other by the due date.

Thanks cove

 

[albyd]

Is there a limit on the number of giftcards used to pay your quarterly? How many is too many?

My accountant said not to do it for my Super Fund but I could go for my life for the other bills.

 

[cove]

Yes albyd I believe your accountant would be correct as the ATO can check things like maximum annual contributions regardless of whether you were thinking it is just a contra in/out thing.
Wouldn't you spit chips if you were fined for paying them by going into excess contributions.
I used to get quarterly ATO bills for our SMSF but that would only restart if I put my sons into this fund. I don't think I will do that.

 

[elitebhy]

Anyone ever try to pay the ATO with EFTPOS Giftcards at AusPost recently? I am getting card not accepted error on the self checkout machines.

 

[albyd]

Do you mean the 'Perfect GC' eftpos cards?
Last used them a few months ago and they worked. One of my regular POs has changed their self serve to cash only. I suspect this might be rolled out to other POs so wouldn't hold too large a supply in case you get stuck with them.

 

[elitebhy]

Yep the "Perfect GC" ones getting error, Giftcard not accepted.

 

[Katie]

Rightio, thanks to this thread, I now have 140k or so BankWest rewards points.

Toaster time?? What shall I do with them??

 

[cove]

Katie somehow we ended up with 2 toasters in London but none from frequent flyer points fortunately.
I think you can go one way first class on Emirates to St Petersburg or Moscow if you want to try their Vodka.