Tax Ombudsman

27/07/2026

We recently completed a review into how the ATO manages the risk of bias in decision making.

Bias and prejudice in tax administration decisions can have serious impacts on people, including:

⛔ their livelihood

⛔ their reputation.

And ultimately, it can erode public confidence in the tax system.

We’ve asked the ATO to improve its bias control processes, to make them more:

✅ clear

✅ practical, and

✅ included in everyday decision-making.

The ATO has agreed to implement our recommendations.

Read the report on our website. 🔗 Link in comments.

23/07/2026

Are you Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and want to help make the tax system better for all mob?

We're doing a review of ATO engagement with First Nations taxpayers, and we'd love to hear from you.

Attend a Talkin’ tax yarning session in:
📍Adelaide
📍Alice Springs
📍Katherine
📍Hobart
📍Launceston
📍Devonport
📍Darwin

We're also keen to hear from people who work with or support First Nations taxpayers.

Complete a short online survey. 🔗 Link in the comments.

23/07/2026

The Tax Ombudsman Ruth Owen will be at CPA Australia’s upcoming Tax Forum in Sydney on 20 August. Be sure to say hi if you’re attending.

Tax is changing. Are you across what it means for your work?

Tax Forum 2026 brings together senior leaders from the ATO, Treasury, the Board of Taxation, the Taxation Ombudsman, the Tax Practitioners Board and the tax profession.

Across one full day, the program will cover:
• tax reform after the Federal Budget
• ATO compliance activity
• AI, automation and the next generation tax function
• payday super, SME tax issues and anti-avoidance
• the regulatory environment facing practitioners

Join us in Sydney to hear directly from regulators and industry leaders, with practical guidance for public practitioners, tax advisers, CFOs, finance leaders and in-house tax professionals.

📅 20 August | 📍 Hilton Sydney

View the program and secure your place today 👉 https://bit.ly/3RmpJq2

20/07/2026

Imagine a tax error, that wasn't your fault, turning your world upside down.

This is exactly what happened to Jenny when she was issued a $41,000 penalty as a director for a company she'd never heard of.

We helped Jenny get:
✅ the $41,000 penalty record wiped from her account view
✅ peace of mind that it wouldn't happen again
✅ an apology.

🔗 Read Jenny's story and about others we've helped. Link in comments.

15/07/2026

If you've complained to the ATO about a tax issue but would like an independent, free and fair investigation. We can help! 👇

13/07/2026

We're coming to Darwin! 👋

Are you a local tax professional or need help with tricky tax issue❓

The Tax Ombudsman is coming to Darwin on Monday 27 July and would love to meet you. Have a chat with Ruth and a cuppa.

🔗 Link in comments to RSVP.

Events in Canberra, Hobart and Adelaide to follow in the coming months - stay tuned for more 'Meet the Tax Ombo' event updates! 📍

09/07/2026

If you have a tricky tax or super complaint, now you know where to get help... 🙋‍♀️

06/07/2026

During NAIDOC Week, we’re listening to First Nations taxpayers, small businesses and the people who support them as part of our review into ATO engagement with First Nations communities. 🖤💛💓

They've told us:

❌ the tax system is hard to navigate
❌ culturally safe support is difficult to access
❌ how identity verification can be hard
❌ there's low awareness of support services
❌ about predatory tax operators.

✅ We’ve also heard that trusted First Nations organisations, tax clinics and financial counsellors are vital in helping people get support but that there are insufficient resources to meet demand.

📢 Are you a First Nations taxpayer, small business or someone who supports them? Have your say by attending a yarning session, giving us a call, completing a short survey or making a submission before 4 September.

🔗Link in comments.

All Australians are entitled to services and support that enable them to engage effectively and fairly with the tax system. However, we have heard that First Nations taxpayers face distinct and systemic barriers in doing so, including lower levels of digital access, financial literacy, access to key...

29/06/2026

Tax Practitioners, don’t miss out on having your say on our services! Survey closes in one week! ⏳

Take 5 minutes to have your say and you’ll be helping improve the work we do.

Link in comments 🔗