Commissioner welcomes IGT’s report into garnishee notices at Institute’s 34th National Convention

HOBART, 14 March 2019: Today, the Commissioner of Taxation, Chris Jordan AO, welcomed the Inspector-General of Taxation’s report into Garnishee notices at The Tax Institute’s 34^th National Convention. 

In response to suggestions that the ATO’s use of the garnishee power was not always “proportionate and appropriate”, the Commissioner conceded that as a large organisation the ATO inevitably make some mistakes. Nonetheless the report supports the ATO’s actions in regard to the issue of garnishee notices. 

The Commissioner also announced that the new ATO Online Service for tax agents is now available to all tax agents to use. In his livestreamed address, users of the system were encouraged to provide their feedback directly to the ATO about their experience with the new system. 

On another note, the Commissioner also addressed the Small Business income tax gap which is estimated to be in the order of $10 billion. A large part, roughly 60%, is thought to emanate from Black Economy activity. 

In response, The Tax Institute’s Senior Tax Counsel Bob Deutsch said, “10 billion dollars is not an insignificant amount and is worthy of ATO attention. The Tax Institute will be looking closely at the detail once it is released in full with a view to assisting its members in dealing with small business clients.” 

ENDS

For more information, please contact: Stephanie Conway, Media Relations: 02 8223 0011. 

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