The Liberal Senate Candidate for the ACT says local businesses will be forced to absorb card fees, after the Tax Office announced it wouldn’t anymore.

After November 30, residents will not be able to use a credit card to make payments to the ATO.

Nick Tyrrell claims it will put local businesses in a vulnerable position, and says businesses rely on a card to manage cash flow.

He’s also criticised the timing of the announcement, saying the department waited until the ban took effect to announce it.

Mr Tyrrell says he’s spoken to small business owners and the majority say they will have to push the extra cost onto consumers.