The formal dispute process begins after the ATO has assessed your client. This can be a long and expensive process depending on the issues involved. The purpose of this paper is to provide some insight to this process, the options available and how you may be able to bring the dispute to an earlier conclusion. This paper covers:
- how important is your objection
- why objecting to private rulings can be disastrous
- managing the objection process
- pros and cons of 50/50 arrangements
- “escalation” and/or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): when, why and how
- the role of freedom of information
- the importance of evidence
- choosing the battleground - AAT or Federal Court
- ettlement deeds.