Between 22 January and 27 January 2010 the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO’s) computers will be unavailable as they implement their new income tax system, which is part of their Change Program.

This means the ATO will need to suspend some processing in the weeks leading up to 22 January and there will also be some processing delays which may continue during February 2010.

If you are expecting a tax or activity statement refund, we recommend you lodge your income tax return as early as possible (before Christmas 2009) and activity statement by 11 January 2010 to reduce the likelihood of any delays.

For more information about the ATO’s  change program, including the implementation of their new income tax system, visit their website at www.ato.gov.au/changeprogram.

Source: http://ato.gov.au/businesses/content.asp?doc=/content/00223520.htm&page=2&H2