Tax Administration & Compliance Framework

Falling foul of Australia’s intricate web of tax administrative requirements can lead taxpayers to ATO audits, reviews and debt collection actions.

Understanding the tax administration framework is imperative for taxpayers and advisers so they are aware of their rights and obligations.

In this session, we cover:

• Legal force of ATO rulings, determinations and interpretative decisions

• Requirements to lodge and make full and true disclosure in tax returns

• Limitations of the Commissioner’s search and access powers

• Fundamentals of the ATO audit and review processes, including taxpayers’ right to disclosure

• Scope and effect of Australia’s tax penalty regime

• Requirements for valid assessments and amended assessments

• Taxpayers’ right of objection and review

• Basis and mechanism for adopting reasonably arguable positions

• Operation of the safe harbour protection for taxpayers against penalties

• Tax debt collection do’s and don’ts

• Tax agent duties and obligation under prevailing governing framework

Date recorded: 4 April 2024