Investigating tax-effective arrangements

Getting started

Before you commit to an arrangement

You're entitled to minimise the amount of tax you pay through legal tax planning arrangements. However, under Australia's self-assessment system the way your tax affairs are structured is your own responsibility. This is regardless of whether you use a tax agent to prepare your tax return. The claims you make are also your own responsibility, so when making decisions that will impact your tax liabilities, it's important to get independent and impartial advice.

When we identify arrangements where the promised tax benefit isn't available under the law, the arrangement is deemed to be a tax avoidance scheme. As a result, tax deductions for the arrangement are disallowed and participants face potential penalties.

Tax schemes aren't limited to the 'too good to be true' type of arrangement. They can be more sophisticated than many people realise. Schemes can be complex arrangements that are offered to you by some advisers with claims the availability of tax benefits is confirmed by genuine experts.

Sections within Getting started

• How you can protect yourself from tax avoidance schemes
• Information available from us