The House of Reps Standing Committee on Tax and Revenue on Fri 6.6.2014, launched its inquiry into tax disputes. The inquiry will cover all categories of taxpayers and include:
- fair treatment and respect of taxpayers;
- how the ATO uses performance information in managing tax disputes;
- whether the legal framework could be updated to encourage earlier dialogue between taxpayers and the ATO, such as through alternative dispute resolution and real time compliance strategies;
- whether a separate agency should manage ATO litigation, whether the ATO should have a separate appeals area, or if current arrangements should continue; and
- comparisons with revenue agencies overseas.
As part of the inquiry, the Committee has requested the Inspector-General of Taxation to conduct a formal review into tax disputes in relation to large businesses and high wealth individuals. The Committee will concentrate on small business and individuals generally.
Although the Committee will receive evidence of individuals’ experience with the tax system, the Committee said it will not act on behalf of individual taxpayers in the inquiry.
COMMENTS are due by 4 July 2014.
[LTN 108, 6/6/14]