HWI audits target a particular segment of the community, thus are approached by all concerned differently to other types of audits. HWI audits have a different dynamic; a different cadence. Between the initial questionnaire from the ATO to the final settlement deed or court decision, many things can, and do, happen. Don’t expect things to be resolved quickly: they rarely will be. This paper takes you through the life-cycle of a “typical” HWI audit (if there is such a thing) and will cover the following:
- who are the targets of HWI audits and why?
- let’s get it straight: the ATO is not there to help
- audit process management - the do’s and don’ts
- who should or should not be involved
- establishing positions
- access to documents - by the ATO and from it
- “know when to fold them, know when to hold them, know when to walk away, know when to run” - negotiations and settlement
- when to stand and fight it out before the AAT or courts.