The ATO appear to be actioning outstanding tax debts more quickly. Garnishee notices, court summons, judgment debts and bankruptcy or winding up orders can progress quickly leaving your client with no opportunity to dispute, or make arrangements to pay a tax debt.
Some taxpayers have been successful in the courts in delaying the collection of their tax debts while they fight their assessments, whereas others have been successful in negotiating time to pay with the ATO.
It is of the utmost importance to tax advisers to know what steps the ATO will take when imposing and recovering debts, and what steps can be taken by your client to make sure they are not the subject of a winding up motion or a sequestration (bankruptcy) order.
This event utilised the skills and experience of an accountant, a lawyer and a tax officer, to illustrate:
- how you can make sure you have the best possible chance of the ATO accepting a ayment arrangement.
- what you can do if your client receives an assessment that they disagree with - the audit, objection and appeal process.
- what you can do if your client receives a summons over an unpaid assessment.
- when hardship relief may be able to be applied for from the ATO.