ATO, government agencies urged to keep “people at the centre” when discussing debts
"Confused or unclear communication" can cause unnecessary stress for business owners and individuals who owe tax, says Inspector-General of Taxation Karen Payne.
ATO ‘robotax’ debt recovery letters prompt new guidelines from government watchdogs
The ATO said it is committed to improving its communications to taxpayers about debt using the guidelines provided by the Ombudsman and Inspector-General.
More SMEs could be eligible for JobKeeper and cash flow payments following ATO appeal and IGoT review
More SMEs could be eligible for JobKeeper and cash flow boost payments depending on the outcome of an ATO appeal and a review by the IGoT.
Two-thirds of charges dropped against ATO staffer who blew the whistle on small business garnishee notices
The legal case against ATO whistleblower Richard Boyle has taken another turn, with 42 of the 66 charges against him being dropped.
Tax watchdog to investigate ATO small business communications amid JobKeeper integrity probes
The investigation is set to examine how well the ATO communicates with small businesses about their rights to complain, review and appeal decisions.
Tax veteran Karen Payne appointed as next inspector-general of taxation
After five months of waiting, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has appointed Karen Payne as the new inspector-general of taxation.
Tax watchdog calls for compo scheme for accountants hurt by ATO system outages
The tax watchdog has called on the ATO to introduce a compensation scheme for tax agents disadvantaged by system outages in a recent report.
A $10 billion deficit: Small businesses are Australia’s biggest tax dodgers, ATO says
The ATO is targeting cash-only businesses in a crackdown on $10 billion in unpaid small-business income tax, Chris Jordan has said.
“Ironic”: ATO manager joked about issuing business crushing garnishee notices, IGTO finds
An investigation has found no evidence of an ATO cash grab but has identified localised issues at a site in Adelaide with garnishee notices.
Five tax tips for businesses looking to get ahead of the curve in 2019
The end of the financial year is only six months away and now is the time to start thinking about what tax time might look like for your business.
‘Houses on the line’: Tax disputes to become easier for SMEs, but is earlier intervention needed?
Businesses with tax disputes will have an easier go of things under a new coalition policy, which will establish a dedicated concierge within the ASBFEO.
“It scares them”: Free tax advice for SMEs with disputes under new Labor policy
Business owners with tax office disputes will be able to access free legal advice under a new plan unveiled by Labor on Monday.