How to tell the Tax Commissioner what you really think

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of chairing Michael Croker’s, Australian Tax Leader Chartered Accountants (CA) Australia and New Zealand, tax policy update.

Although I don’t do tax anymore (leave that one to the experts), I’m interested so that I understand what my fellow accounting peers, are experiencing and it’s this blog, where it’s mainly aimed.

There were a few interesting things to come from Michael’s update, including the CA’s submission to the Board of Taxation on tax impediments facing small business (refer to CA’s tax section on this) and that the Tax Commissioner wants to settle tax disputes faster to get the revenue in (is this code for “a bit more negotiation with the ATO??”).

However, one of the docos Michael left attendees with is that the Inspector-General of Tax is conducting a review into the Tax Offices services to tax practitioners. Although the attached form is for CAs whereby members may lodge their views via CA, if you’re not a CA, not to worry. On the form is a link to the Inspector-General’s website and the terms of reference. You may find your accounting body has a similar form or that you may submit your views directly with the Inspector-General.

Here’s your chance … submissions via CA is due by 18 July 2014.