News and Media
Annual Report 2016-17
26/10/2017
The Inspector-General of Taxation today (26 October 2017) released his 2016-17 Annual Report. The Annual Report is available for download from the Publications section of this website.
Extension of time to make submissions
28/07/2017
Review into the ATO’s Fraud Control Management The closing date for submission is now extended to Friday 4th August 2017. If you need a further extension of time to make your submission that can be arranged by contacting us before this date. Current and former ATO staff are welcome to approach our office in confidence […]
IGT review into ATO’s Fraud Control Management
28/06/2017
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced terms of reference for a review that will examine the ATO’s fraud control management.
IGT review into the Future of the Tax Profession
06/06/2017
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced terms of reference for a review that will examine the future of the tax profession.
IGT Review into the ATO’s employer obligations compliance activities – report publicly released
24/05/2017
The Inspector-General of Taxation’s report of this review has been released.
Review into aspects of the PAYG instalments system
29/03/2017
Terms of Reference released 29 March 2017.
Submission to the Inquiry into Taxpayer Engagement with the Tax System
24/02/2017
The Inspector-General of Taxation has made a submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Tax and Revenue’s Inquiry into Taxpayer Engagement with the Tax System. It may also be downloaded in PDF format.
Submission to the Inquiry into Superannuation Guarantee non-payment
20/02/2017
The Inspector-General of Taxation has made a submission to the Senate Economics References Committee’s Inquiry into Superannuation Guarantee non-payment. It may also be downloaded in PDF format.
IGT Work Program 2017 publicly announced
31/01/2017
The Inspector-General of Taxation has announced his work program for 2017.
IGT Review into the Taxpayers’ Charter and taxpayer protections – report publicly released
13/12/2016
The Inspector-General of Taxation’s report into the Taxpayers’ Charter and taxpayer protections has been publicly released.
The report can be downloaded from the IGT website.
IGT Annual Report 2015-16 tabled
31/10/2016
The Inspector-General of Taxation today (31 October 2016) released his 2015-16 Annual Report. The Annual Report is available for download from the Publications section of this website.
Work Program 2017 – Call for Submissions
12/10/2016
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced the commencement of public consultation to develop his new work program for 2017. The IGT seeks to improve the tax system for the benefit of all Australians by reviewing the administration of tax and superannuation laws by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Tax […]
Parliamentary Tax and Revenue Committee releases report on scrutiny of the ATO
05/05/2016
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Tax and Revenue has released the report of its Inquiry into the External Scrutiny of the Australian Taxation Office. The report is available on the Committee’s website.
Supplementary submission to the Standing Committee on Tax and Revenue
19/04/2016
The Inspector-General of Taxation has made a supplementary submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Tax and Revenue’s Inquiry into the External Scrutiny of the Australian Taxation Office. The submission is available for download from the Other publications section of this website.
Submission to the Standing Committee on Tax and Revenue
16/03/2016
The Inspector-General of Taxation has made a submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Tax and Revenue’s Inquiry into the External Scrutiny of the Australian Taxation Office. The submission is available for download from the Other publications section of this website.
IGT review into the Taxpayers’ Charter and taxpayer protections
02/11/2015
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced terms of reference for his review into the Taxpayers’ Charter and taxpayer protections. Current international developments show a trend toward a formalised statement of taxpayer protections or rights which may be in legislative or administrative form. They are designed to strike a fair balance between […]
Review into the ATO’s employer obligations audits
29/10/2015
Terms of reference released 29 October 2015
IGT Annual Report 2014-15 tabled
23/10/2015
The Inspector-General of Taxation today (23 October 2015) released his 2014-15 Annual Report. The annual report is available for download from the Publications section of this website.
IGT releases report on ATO services for tax practitioners
20/07/2015
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today publicly released the report of his review into the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) services and support for tax practitioners. The report also focuses, more broadly, on the ATO’s relationship with the 55,000 registered tax agents and business activity statement agents (together referred to as tax practitioners). […]
IGT debt collection review – report publicly released
14/07/2015
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today released the report of his review into Debt Collection by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). “I am pleased to release my report into the ATO’s Debt Collection strategies and activities,” Mr Noroozi said. “The review was prompted by concerns with the consistent escalation of tax debt […]
IGT to handle tax complaints
23/04/2015
The IGT will now be able to assist taxpayers to address their complaints about the ATO and the TPB.
IGT review into the management of tax disputes – report publicly released
27/02/2015
The Assistant Treasurer has released the Inspector-General of Taxation’s report, The Management of Tax Disputes. The report can be downloaded from the IGT website. The Assistant Treasurer’s media release is available on the Assistant Treasurer’s website. SYDNEY 27 February 2015
IGT review of the Australian Taxation Office’s administration of valuation matters – report publicly released
19/01/2015
The Assistant Treasurer has released the report of the Inspector-General of Taxation’s review into the ATO’s administration of valuation matters. The report can be downloaded from the IGT website. The Assistant Treasurer’s media release is available on the Assistant Treasurer’s website. SYDNEY 19 January 2015
IGT Follow up review into delayed or changed Australian Taxation Office views on significant issues – report publicly released
14/11/2014
The Acting Assistant Treasurer has publicly released the report into the IGT’s Follow Up Review into Delayed or Changed Australian Taxation Office Views on Significant Issues. The report can downloaded from the IGT website. The ATO’s response is included in the report itself. The press release can be found on the Acting Assistant Treasurer’s website. […]
Follow up review into the ATO’s implementation of agreed recommendations in five reports released between August 2009 and November 2010 – report publicly released
14/11/2014
The Acting Assistant Treasurer has publicly released the report into the IGT’s ‘Follow up review into the ATO’s implementation of agreed recommendations in five reports released between August 2009 and November 2010’. The report can be found on the IGT website. The ATO’s response is included in the report itself. The press release can be found […]
IGT Annual Report 2013-14
22/10/2014
The Inspector-General of Taxation today released his 2013-14 Annual Report. The annual report is available for download from the Publications section of this website.
IGT Review into the ATO’s administration of penalties – report publicly released
08/07/2014
The Acting Assistant Treasurer has publicly released the report into the IGT’s Review into the Australian Taxation Office’s Administration of Penalties. The report can be downloaded from the IGT website. The ATO’s response is included in the report itself. The press release can be found on the Acting Assistant Treasurer’s website. SYDNEY8 July 2014
IGT to review large business & high wealth individual tax disputes
19/06/2014
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today commenced a review into the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) management of tax disputes involving large businesses and high wealth individuals (HWIs). On 2 June 2014, the Minister for Finance and Acting Assistant Treasurer, Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann, referred an Inquiry into Tax Disputes (the Inquiry) […]
IGT Review into the Australian Taxation Office’s management of transfer pricing matters – report publicly released
02/06/2014
The Acting Assistant Treasurer has publicly released the report into the IGT’s Review into the ATO’s management of transfer pricing matters. The report can be downloaded from the IGT website. The ATO’s response is included in the report itself. The press release can be found on the Acting Assistant Treasurer’s website. SYDNEY2 June 2014
Reviews into the ATO’s debt collection and services for tax practitioners
26/05/2014
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced terms of reference for two reviews into the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) approach to debt collection and services and support for tax practitioners. ATO approach to debt collection Uncollected tax continues to grow and reached $17.7 billion in 2012–13 with over 60% owed by small […]
New IGT work program
10/04/2014
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced his new work program for improving tax administration in Australia. “I am pleased to announce my new work program. The community-based consultation surfaced a wide range of issues and concerns for review,” Mr Noroozi said. The IGT received a broad range of submissions from the […]
New IGT work program – Call for submissions
09/02/2014
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced the commencement of public consultation for developing his new work program for 2014 and beyond. The IGT seeks to improve the tax system for the benefit of all Australians by reviewing the administration of tax and superannuation laws by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The […]
Review into the ATO’s administration of valuation matters
19/11/2013
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced terms of reference for his review into the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) administration of valuation matters and called for stakeholder submissions. “Australia’s tax and superannuation laws are increasingly relying on concepts such as market value,” Mr Noroozi said. “Whilst there may be sound economic reasons […]
The IGT’s 10th anniversary
30/04/2013
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT) celebrates 10 years of service to the Australian community this year. It is a landmark for the new breed of specialist scrutineering agencies. “Some scepticism was voiced about the IGT office when it was set up. I think it is fair to say that the office’s impact has far exceeded […]
Review into the ATO’s administration of penalties
22/11/2012
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced terms of reference for his review into the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) administration of penalties and called for stakeholder submissions. “Concerns with the ATO’s administration of penalties have persisted over a number of years. Given the level of concerns raised with me by individual and […]
Review into delayed income tax refunds, superannuation excess contributions tax and data matching – Terms of reference released
19/11/2012
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced terms of reference for three reviews relating to the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) compliance approaches to individual taxpayers. “My office has received a large number of concerns from taxpayers and tax practitioners regarding the ATO’s compliance approach to individual taxpayers particularly during consultation on my […]
Review into the ATO’s compliance risk assessment tools – Terms of reference released
30/10/2012
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced terms of reference for his review into aspects of the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) use of compliance risk assessment tools and called for stakeholder submissions. “The ATO’s tax risk assessment tools are an area of on-going concern to taxpayers and their advisers and it is […]
Review into the ATO’s management of transfer pricing matters – Terms of reference released
25/10/2012
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced terms of reference for his review into the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) management of transfer pricing matters and called for stakeholder submissions. Transfer pricing relates to business transactions across international borders with related parties. Revenue authorities are concerned to ensure that these transactions are appropriately […]
New IGT work program announced
10/10/2012
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced his new work program aimed at further improving tax administration in Australia. I am pleased to announce my new work program for 2012-13 and beyond. The extensive consultation process surfaced a wide range of issues and concerns that the community would like me to review,” […]
New IGT work program – Call for submissions
13/08/2012
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced his community consultation process to establish a new Work Program for 2012-13 and beyond. The role of the IGT is to improve the administration of the tax system for the benefit of all Australians. The IGT reviews systems and processes set up by the Australian […]
IGT announces terms of reference for review into the ATO’s use of benchmarking to target the cash economy
28/11/2011
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced terms of reference for his review into the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) use of benchmarks to target the cash economy and called for stakeholder submissions. “My review will look at the ATO’s use of cash economy benchmarks for small businesses. Taxpayers and tax agents are […]
Review of the ATO’s early and alternative dispute resolution use
26/07/2011
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced terms of reference for his review into the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) use of Early and Alternative Dispute Resolution (EDR and ADR) and called for stakeholder submissions. “My review will look at the ATO’s existing dispute resolution framework, including its skilling, cultural approaches and authorisation […]
IGT examines improvements to self assessment system
16/06/2011
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Ali Noroozi, today announced the terms of reference for his latest review entitled “Improving the Self Assessment System” and called for submissions. In 1986-87, the Australian income tax system moved from full assessment to self assessment, increasing taxpayers’ responsibilities and compliance burdens. Mr Ali Noroozi said, “In the current environment […]
2011-2012 IGT work program announced
04/04/2011
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced his new work program into aspects of the Australian Tax System’s administration, following an extensive community consultation process. “The consultation process surfaced a wide range of issues and concerns that the community would like me to review. I want to thank everybody for their input. […]
IGT work program consultation
07/12/2010
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced his community consultation process in establishing his new work program for 2011 and beyond. The IGT’s role is to improve the tax system’s administration for the benefit of all Australians. The IGT reviews Australian Tax Office (ATO) administered taxes including, superannuation, excise and grant schemes. […]
IGT review of the ATO’s change program
05/05/2010
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Ali Noroozi, today announced submission guidelines for his review of the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) Change Program. “I have been directed by the Assistant Treasurer to review the ATO’s change program”, said Mr Noroozi. “I will be taking a staged approach to the review, focusing initially on the impact on […]
IGT announces review of SME and HWI audits
07/04/2010
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Ali Noroozi, today announced terms of reference for his review into the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) audits of high wealth individuals (HWIs) and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with annual turnovers of between $100 million and $250 million. In the last two years, the Government has allocated an additional $559 […]
IGT announces class rulings review
25/03/2010
The Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), Ali Noroozi, today released the Terms of Reference and Submission Guidelines for his inquiry into the ATO’s administration of class rulings. This inquiry replaces the review that was to take place into the efficiency of the ATO’s compliance and regulatory approaches to Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs). The IGT has […]
Inspector-General announces terms of reference for review into the ATO’s large business audit and risk review policies, procedures and practices
17/11/2009
The Inspector-General of Taxation, Ali Noroozi, today released the Terms of Reference and Submission Guidelines for his inquiry into the ATO’s large business audit and risk review policies, procedures and practices. Mr Noroozi said, “During consultations on my work program last year, various large business and tax practitioner groups asserted that although audits and risk […]
New Deputy Inspector-General of Taxation announced
18/08/2009
Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT) Mr. Ali Noroozi today announced that Mr. Andrew McLoughlin had been appointed as his new Deputy. “I am very pleased that Andrew is joining our team in the important position of my Deputy” Mr. Noroozi said. “Andrew is well qualified both academically and through his extensive corporate tax background to make […]
Inspector-General announces terms of reference into superannuation guarantee charge
02/06/2009
Ali Noroozi, Inspector-General of Taxation, today released the Terms of Reference and Consultation Plan for his inquiry into the Tax Office’s administration of the superannuation guarantee charge (SGC). The inquiry follows on from the announcement by the Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, Senator Nick Sherry on 29 May 2009, of the Review into the […]
Inspector-General of Taxation announces terms of reference for review into delayed or changed ATO views
21/04/2009
Ali Noroozi, Inspector-General of Taxation, today released the Terms of Reference and Submission Guidelines for his inquiry into any delayed Tax Office advice or changes to pre-existing views or practice on significant issues. Mr Noroozi said “During consultations on my work program last year, various business and tax practitioner groups told me that Tax Office […]
Inspector-General of Taxation announces terms of reference for review into private rulings
06/04/2009
Ali Noroozi, Inspector-General of Taxation, today released the Terms of Reference and Consultation Plan for his inquiry into the Tax Office’s administration of private rulings. Mr Noroozi said “Taxpayers and tax practitioners have stated that they have concerns with the Tax Office’s administration of private rulings including the time it takes to issue these rulings […]
IGT announces new reviews
10/03/2009
Following extensive consultation with the community, the Inspector-General of Taxation, Mr Ali Noroozi, today announced his new program of reviews into tax administration. “This consultation process surfaced a wide range of issues and concerns that the community would like me to review. I have received over 50 submissions which collectively suggested over 160 issues,” Mr […]
Call for submissions on the IGT’s work program
05/12/2008
The newly appointed Inspector-General of Taxation, Mr Ali Noroozi, is asking for submissions and suggestions for tax administration issues he should review during 2009-10. The IGT’s role is to improve tax administration for all Australians. The IGT can review any systemic issues within the Tax Office’s administration including all taxes, superannuation, excise and grant schemes. […]
Statement by the Inspector-General of Taxation, David Vos AM
04/08/2008
Following the announcement today by the Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, the Inspector-General of Taxation, David Vos AM issued the following statement: “I am, of course, disappointed that I will not be continuing as Inspector-General for another 5 years. “But I will leave the role with a great sense of achievement and of […]
Inspector-General of Taxation announces terms of references for three new reviews
12/10/2007
David Vos, Inspector-General of Taxation, today released Terms of References and Consultation Plans for his inquiries into: The Tax Office’s Administration of Public Binding Advice, The non-lodgement of income tax returns, and The Tax Office’s settlement of active compliance activities. Mr Vos said “These reviews were foreshadowed by me some time ago in my forward […]
Inspector-General of Taxation announces terms of reference for review into objections to Tax Office decisions
18/01/2007
David Vos, Inspector-General of Taxation, today released the Terms of Reference and Consultation Plan for his review into objections to Tax Office decisions. Mr Vos said “The recent review into the Tax Office’s management of litigation found that the Tax Office concedes or settles a significant number of disputed tax decisions after the objection process […]
Inspector-General of Taxation announces terms of reference for review into the Tax Office’s administration of GST audits
30/10/2006
David Vos, Inspector-General of Taxation, today released the Terms of Reference and Consultation Plan for his inquiry into the Tax Office’s Administration of GST Audits. Mr Vos said “GST has been in place for over 6 years. Net GST collections are now about $37 billion per annum. Taxpayers continue to raise concerns regarding the nature […]
Inspector-General appears before JCPAA
28/07/2006
David Vos, Inspector-General of Taxation today appeared in Sydney before the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA) in respect of its “Inquiry Reviewing a Range of Taxation Issues within Australia”. The Inspector-General’s opening statement to the committee and his submission (dated 31 March 2006) are attached. SYDNEY 28 July 2006 Contact: David R […]
Inspector-General broadens work program for 2006
28/02/2006
David Vos, Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT), today released an update of his program of potential reviews for 2006. The update takes account of recent IGT consultations with community stakeholders and recent public debate on tax administration matters. The Inspector-General has decided to expand the scope of previously announced review topics into a broad focus on […]
Inspector-general to examine ATO handling of major, complex issues
31/10/2005
David Vos, Inspector-General of Taxation, today released the Terms of Reference and Consultation Plan for his review into the Tax Office’s ability to identify and deal with major, complex issues within a reasonable timeframe. The Tax Office’s administration of major, complex issues has been raised by taxpayers and their representatives as a key concern throughout […]
Inspector-General to examine revenue bias in private binding rulings
25/08/2005
David Vos, Inspector-General of Taxation, today released the Terms of Reference and Consultation Plan for his review into the Tax Office’s potential revenue bias in private binding rulings involving large complex matters. The Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer has asked the Inspector-General to examine whether there is a pro-revenue bias in private binding rulings […]
Proposed work program for the 2005-06 year
11/08/2005
On 5 August 2005, the Inspector-General consulted representatives from selected industry, business, accounting, legal practitioner and tax organisations about the prioritisation of his work program for the 2005/06 year. Key issues of concern that have been raised with the Inspector-General over the past year were discussed with participants. On the basis of strong feedback, the […]
Inspector-General to examine ATO litigation practices
10/03/2005
David Vos, Inspector-General of Taxation, today released the Terms of Reference and Consultation Plan for his review into aspects of the Tax Office’s management of tax litigation. The Tax Office’s administration of tax litigation has been raised by taxpayers and their representatives as a key concern throughout the Inspector-General’s scoping study and subsequent consultations. The […]
Inspector-General to examine ATO audit practices
23/11/2004
David Vos, Inspector-General of Taxation, today released the Terms of Reference and Consultation Plan for his review into aspects of the ATO’s active compliance activities. Mr Vos said, “Last year, the Tax Office raised about $6.4 billon through its active compliance activities, such as amending tax returns as a result of tax audits. Just under […]
Inspector-General’s report on interest remission released
18/11/2004
The Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Mal Brough, released today the report of the Inspector-General of Taxation on the Review of the Remission of the General Interest Charge (GIC) for Groups of Taxpayers in Dispute with the Tax Office (ATO). The review examined the range of processes associated with the Tax Office’s […]
Proposed work program for the 6 months to December 2004
19/08/2004
On 27 July 2004, the Inspector-General consulted representatives from selected industry, business, accounting, legal practitioner and tax organisations about the prioritisation of his work program for the next 6 months. Key issues discussed during this consultation were tax audits and penalties, compliance costs, tax agent support and litigation management. However, the most significant theme emerging […]
Inspector-General to examine ATO small business debt collection practices
21/04/2004
David Vos, Inspector-General of Taxation, today released the Terms of Reference and Consultation Plan for his review into the ATO’s small business debt collection practices. Mr Vos said, “Last financial year, the total overdue collectable debt managed by the ATO increased by 25% to $6.9 billion. About 60% of that debt comes from a number […]
Inspector-General to examine $22 billion of GST refunds
31/03/2004
David Vos, Inspector-General of Taxation, today released the Terms of Reference and Consultation Plan for his review into the ATO administration of GST refunds arising from the lodgment of Business Activity Statements. Mr Vos said, “Last financial year, 14.5 million Business Activity Statements were lodged with the ATO. Of these, 12.7 million were debit BASs […]
Inspector-General of Taxation announces terms of reference for review of remission of general interest charge
07/01/2004
David Vos, Inspector-General of Taxation, today released the Terms of Reference and Consultation Plan for his inquiry into the administration of remission of the General Interest Charge (“GIC”) for groups of taxpayers in dispute with the ATO. The review incorporates a request by the Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, Senator the Hon Helen Coonan. […]
Inspector-General of Taxation reports back
07/12/2003
David Vos, Inspector-General of Taxation, today released a series of Issues Papers on systemic problems with the tax system. The papers are the result of extensive community consultation which has taken place since his appointment in August 2003. “Some sixty potential reviews have been identified by the consultative process. Businesses, accountants and lawyers are wasting […]