‘We’re absolutely not out to get tax agents’: ATO

The ATO’s frosty relationship with the tax profession has been well documented in recent years, but change is underway as the Tax Office commits to support and engage more closely with practitioners. ATO assistant commissioner Sylvia Gallagher joins Accountants Daily editor Jotham Lian in a frank discussion about recent friction between the ATO and the tax profession and how it was never meant to be an “us versus them” situation. Sylvia also explores the variety of ATO support available to practitioners suffering from increased workloads brought on by the pandemic, and explains how her team will strive to find a solution for struggling practitioners as long as they reach out for help. She also touches on some upcoming items on the ATO’s agenda, including Single Touch Payroll Phase 2, and the new director identification number regime.