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Investigation into the effectiveness of ATO communications of taxpayers’ rights to complain, review and appeal
About this report
This Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman (IGTO) investigation examines the effectiveness of the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) communications to taxpayers and their representatives of their taxpayers’ rights to review, complain and appeal decisions made and actions taken by the ATO.
The investigation involved an examination of a case sample of written communications of ATO decisions made – for clear communication of the taxpayers’ rights to review, complain and appeal these decisions. The communication of taxpayers’ rights is an important feature of procedural fairness and is consistent with the Taxpayers’ Charter. These rights and the community’s awareness of them is important for maintaining confidence in the fairness of the tax administration system.
IGTO Survey
Between August and September 2020, the IGTO engaged Orima Research Pty Ltd to conduct a voluntary and independent survey to gauge taxpayers’ and tax professionals’ views on the effectiveness of ATO communications on taxpayers’ right to review, complain and appeal decisions.
The survey comprised 10 questions (of which 3 sought demographic information from respondents). A list of the questions is available for download.
A total of 69 respondents participated. Some respondents chose not to answer certain questions.