The Commonwealth and Taxation Ombudsman, Prof. John McMillan, today released his taxation activities report for 2007.
‘The report highlights the practical assistance my office provides to taxpayers in resolving their difficulties with the Australian Taxation Office,’ Prof. McMillan said.
‘The work of the Ombudsman’s office promotes the development and maintenance of integrity, responsibility and fair judgement in tax administration and decision making. This supports the work of the ATO in reviewing its own administration processes and building on the principles of the Taxpayers’ Charter.’
The report outlines particular problem areas that emerged over the year such as debt collection activities, non-payment of superannuation guarantee, provision of adequate information, the imposition of penalties, and lodgement and processing difficulties. Another focus is complaint trends and the Ombudsman’s project work program that addresses underlying problem areas.
The office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman celebrated its thirty year anniversary in 2007. The tax activities report reflects on the history of the Ombudsman’s work in handling taxation complaints and observes the changes in the taxation environment and progress of administrative law reform over this thirty-year period.
In responding to the Ombudsman’s report, the Commissioner of Taxation noted his work with the Ombudsman in the development of best practice in areas such as dispute and complaints resolution, good governance and a general framework of administrative rights that provides wide-ranging protection for taxpayers.
The report is available online.
For further information or to arrange an interview with Prof. McMillan contact:
Elizabeth Courtney-Frost
Director, Public Affairs
Phone: 02 6276 0133
Email: elizabeth.frost@ombudsman.gov.au
