ATO focus is ‘digital first’

DIGITAL technology and online services will underpin the new relationship the ATO wants to forge with the small business sector.

Tax Commissioner Chris Jordan told the Tax Institute that feedback is urging them to minimise red tape and provide equipment, systems, technologies, communications and software that enable easy interaction in the digital world. 

“People love apps and want more information and services available on mobile devices, but also want to be able to use click to chat or after-hours call-back services like the one we have for small businesses.”

The Commissioner said more small businesses will soon be able to streamline their superannuation obligations using the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House, and that the ATO’s online Small Business Newsroom is becoming a must for small business operators.

He foreshadowed further improvements to AUSkey and ABN registration processes and the release later this year of a new Personal Services Income (PSI) decision tool.

He also highlighted a more client-friendly approach to resolving disputes and to debt management which will focus on business viability and ability to meet future obligations.

“We are intervening earlier to prevent debts from escalating beyond people’s control – connecting with people to ensure they stick to repayment arrangements and prevent things getting worse.”

The Commissioner also launched a Reinventing the ATO Blueprint which can be found at ato.gov.au/reinvention.

“This blueprint describes the kind of experience that Australians want to have when they deal with the ATO. It will guide everything we do in coming years.”

A full transcript of the Commissioner’s speech can be found on the ATO website. 

www.ato.gov.au

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