The Liberal National Government will make it easier, cheaper and quicker for small businesses to resolve tax disputes with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison last night, this builds on a series of initiatives designed to support small and medium businesses in Australia.
These businesses have told us disputes with the ATO can be stressful and intimidating, taking time away from running their business.
This is why our Government is establishing a Small Business Concierge Service within the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman’s office to provide support and advice about the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) process before an application is made.
We will also create a dedicated Small Business Taxation Division within the AAT, with key features including:
- A case manager supporting them throughout the entire process
- A standard application fee of just $500
- Fast-tracked decisions to be made within 28 days of a hearing
- If the ATO appeals the AAT decision to the Federal Court it will pay the small business reasonable costs
With more than three million small and medium businesses employing around seven million Australians, supporting small business by creating a level playing field is part of the Australian Government’s plan for a stronger economy.