Ombudsman urges firms to flag tax office issues
Small business owners are advised to urgently contact the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprises Ombudsman (ASBFEO) if they have experienced what appears to be heavy handed tactics by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
The Minister for Revenue and Financial Services, Kelly O’Dwyer, has called for an inquiry into the allegations raised in the joint Fairfax/Four Corners investigation.
Under the direction of Treasury, my office and the Inspector-General of Taxation, Ali Noroozi, will examine cases of unfair conduct by the ATO.
Our timeframes on this inquiry are extremely tight, so its important small business owners tell us their story as a matter of urgency – within the next week or two.
My office is interested in examples where the ATO has targeted small businesses unfairly and the business owner has been affected financially.
According to the ATO’s latest annual report, there are 3.8 million small business taxpayers, including sole traders, in the tax system. The Inspector-General says in roughly 5% of cases, the ATO gets it wrong … which on the face of it is way too many.
We want to gain a better understanding of how the ATO is adversely interacting with small businesses so we can provide government with constructive and realistic advice.
With complete anonymity assured, small business owners can explain their situation by emailing: inquiries@asbfeo.gov.au
If you have raised your concerns with ATO and the Inspector-General and your matter has not been resolved, the ASBFEO may also be able to assist.
Kate Carnell is the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. A former Liberal politician and businesswoman, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2006 for her contributions to the ACT.
