Tax Ombudsman

04/09/2026

Last week, Ruth joined UNSW Professor Ann Kayis-Kumar on Peter Martin's ABC podcast, The Economy, Stupid.

The episode explores the intersection of the tax system and financial abuse, including how vulnerable people can be manipulated. Drawing on our 2025 review of how financial abuse is identified and managed within the tax system, Ruth shared insights and key learnings from our work.

If you have 30 minutes to spare, it's well worth a listen. 🔗 Link in the comments

02/09/2026

Our September newsletter is out now! 😀

In this issue you'll find:

✅Outdated digital services costing tax agents time and money
✅ ATO director penalty powers in focus
✅ Reviews workplan refresh - your chance to set our priorities!
✅ Last chance to contribute to our First Nations review
✅ ATO told to sharpen focus on bias risk
✅ Meet the Tax Ombo in Canberra and Hobart

Read it via the link in the comments. 🔗

We publish our newsletter each quarter. To stay up-to-date with what we've been doing, subscribe to our mailing list. 👇

01/09/2026

Heading to the The Tax Institute Tax Summit in Sydney over the next few days?

Swing past our stall and say hello to our friendly team. 🖐️

We’d love to hear about any tricky issues you might have, suggested topics for our future systemic reviews or ideas for improvements to tax and super administration.

Stop by for a chat from 2 to 4 September! 🙌

01/09/2026

Ever received a Director Penalty Notice from the ATO or supported a client who has?

When a company tax debt becomes a personal debt, the consequences can be life-changing.

We’re reviewing how the ATO uses DPNs and encourage you to share your experiences.

Join a webinar on 10, 15 or 16 September, complete a short survey, write to or phone us by 29 September 2026. 🔗 Link in comments.

Feedback open now and closes Tuesday, 29 September 2026. Reviews and reports Director Penalty Notices (DPNs) are an important tool for the ATO to administer and collect certain company tax debts – GST, PAYGW and superannuation guarantee – directly from directors of companies. However, their use ...

31/08/2026

What tax and super issues should we look at next? 🤔

We’ve prepared a list of 10 possible topics to review in the next 12 months based on our complaint trends, your feedback, topical issues and areas of interest for Government and Parliament.

Topics include tax debts, compromised accounts, deceased estates, early release of super and unpaid super.

Your views will help us choose the issues that are of greatest concern to the community. ✅

🔗 Link in comments to participate. Have your say by 29 September 2026

31/08/2026

We're pleased to share our Corporate Plan 2027-2030. 😀

It outlines the priorities and objectives that will guide our work over the next three years, as we continue our purpose of improving the fairness and integrity of tax and superannuation administration for all Australians.

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

28/08/2026

The Tax Ombo is coming to Canberra and Hobart soon! 👉

Meet Ruth, have a chat and a cuppa in:
📍Canberra - Wednesday 9 September, at Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
📍 Hobart - Wednesday 16 September, at University of Tasmania

Register ASAP to secure a spot! 🔗 Link in the comments.

27/08/2026

Are you a tax practitioner and use ATO online services?

It’s not too late to register for a webinar to hear findings from our latest Review into Online Services for Agents!

12:30pm (AEST) Tuesday, 1 September. 🔗Link in comments.

26/08/2026

At the Tax Ombudsman, our work makes a real difference to taxpayers and tax agents.

Each year we complete four reviews and we make recommendations to the ATO, that create real change.

To ensure these improvements happen, we hold the ATO accountable - monitoring and reporting on recommendation implementation status.

You can find the ATO’s latest implementation updates on our website. Visit the link in the comments.

24/08/2026

Hey mob! Last chance to share your ideas on how to improve the tax system! ⏳

What’s working, what’s not and any improvements we can recommend to the tax office?

First Nations taxpayers, businesses, and the people who work with and represent them are encouraged to have their say:
• complete a short survey
• make a submission
• Contact us by phone or email.

🔗Link in the comments. Have your say by 4 September 2026.

Feedback will be kept confidential and personal information will not be shared with the tax office without permission.

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...