Taxation

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is illuminated by a New Year’s Eve fireworks display on 31 December 1999. The Goods and Services Act was introduced earlier that year.

GST in Australia 20 years on: looking back on taxing times

Australia's goods and services tax (GST) was introduced, with much controversy, 20 years ago this year. It's now entrenched, but does it need an overhaul?

In the past few federal budgets, the ATO has received funding increases that it has used to address the income tax gap and the black economy.

The ATO ups its compliance game. Here's what that means for taxpayers.

New technology and a different approach mean that the Australian Taxation Office has taken its game to a new level. Tax advisers need to pay attention.

The Black Economy Taskforce estimated the black economy could be worth as much as 3 per cent of national GDP, or about A$50 billion a year.

Public swamps ATO tip-off line on black economy behaviour

The Australian Taxation Office is continuing its crackdown on the black economy, with increasing help from the public.

According to figures provided by the AAT, last year about 30 per cent of people who took a tax dispute to the Tribunal were represented by their accountant/tax agent.

AAT a potential minefield for tax disputes

Blurred lines and controversial decisions mean that going to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal can be a risky proposition.

Tax Commissioner Chris Jordan.

ATO Commissioner Jordan on incorrect tax claims on rental income

Tax Commissioner Chris Jordan says the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is focusing on rental income as it pays more attention to “individuals not in business”.

While showing appropriate empathy, the ATO also needed to identify tax advisers who consistently use aggressive tactics.

ATO Commissioner: we’re getting better at identifying problem tax advisers

In an interview with INTHEBLACK, Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Commissioner Chris Jordan warns that his staff are getting better at identifying problem tax advisers and taking action.

Under the new laws, a tax whistleblower has many contact points within and external to an organisation to make disclosures.

What the new tax whistleblower laws mean for disclosure

New tax whistleblower laws came into effect on 1 July. Here's what you need to know about disclosure.

The majority of gamblers lose, so any additional government revenue from taxing winnings would be insignificant.

Should your gambling winnings be taxed?

Winnings from gambling are tax free in most jurisdictions. Would there be any point to taxing winnings?

When accountants allow or encourage dodgy tax claims, their clients speak with friends and the problem becomes greater for the entire industry.

Outrageous tax claims: why are they so popular?

They're bad for the economy, for the accounting industry and for our clients, so why are outrageous tax claims still so widespread?

Tax audit protection is not mandatory for accounting professionals and some prefer to self-insure – putting money aside to pay the costs should they or a client ever come under the spotlight.

Is it ethical to self-insure?

SPONSORED CONTENT: Offering tax audit protection to clients takes the pressure off should they ever be targeted by the ATO. It also sends a clear message that you’re putting their needs first.

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