The ATO has released the third edition of its Your case matters publication which sets out key data and analysis regarding Australia’s tax and superannuation litigation from 1 July 2012 to 31 December 2012. Highlights from the data include (for the period):
- 350,000 audits and review activities were completed resulting in just over 226,000 amended assessments;
- 16,500 objections were lodged of which 82% related to income tax assessments;
- 210 cases were settled, 37% of which were in the micro and individuals market segment;
- 43 AAT cases used the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process, of which 10 have been resolved in full, and 1 has been resolved in part;
- 71% of the litigation cases dealt with concerned income tax assessment issues;
- 66% of the decisions were favourable to the ATO;
- 2 test cases were discontinued by the ATO, and 3 test cases were conceded by the taxpayer;
- the ATO spent $41.3m on legal costs including litigation and other legal services.
[LTN 32, 18/2/13]