The ATO’s approach to taxpayer relief provisions
The Tax Institute welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regarding the consultation paper on the ATO’s approach to taxpayer relief provisions (Consultation Paper).
In the development of this submission, we have closely consulted with our National Technical Committees to prepare a considered response that represents the views of the broader membership of The Tax Institute.
We are pleased that the ATO is undertaking a comprehensive review of its settings and processes regarding taxpayer relief provisions. This assessment is particularly relevant in light of the recent legislated changes to the tax treatment of the general interest charge (GIC) and shortfall interest charge (SIC) and also feedback from our members suggesting that the ATO is, in general, taking a stricter approach to matters relating to tax debts, such as decisions to remit the GIC. We commend the ATO's commitment to implementing a principles-based approach to taxpayer relief provisions.
Our detailed responses to the questions in the Consultation Paper are contained in Appendix A. While we have limited our feedback at this stage to these questions, we look forward to continuing to constructively engage with the ATO on the effective implementation of the taxpayer relief provisions.
The Tax Institute is the leading forum for the tax community in Australia. We are committed to shaping the future of the tax profession and the continuous improvement of the tax system for the benefit of all. In this regard, The Tax Institute seeks to influence tax and revenue policy at the highest level with a view to achieving a better Australian tax system for all.