How To Manage An ATO Review

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Date: 01/09/2011

If the ATO comes knocking on your client's door, they should be helpful but observe the formalities - making sure they understand what's triggered the enquiry, as well as their rights and obligations.

No-one wants to have the ATO on their doorstep, or on the phone, asking questions and delving into their personal or business affairs. But it's part of their job. It's important, says tax expert Michael Jones, of Cummings Flavel McCormack, to find out what's triggered their enquiry and assess whether it's reasonable. Be helpful, he says, but keep it formal too. Check identification and authorisations, and keep an accurate record of all your dealings. ATO officers have a duty to be fair and reasonable, and there's a taxpayers' charter - available online - which sets out taxpayer rights and obligations, and their options for appeal if they want to dispute the eventual outcome.