RTPWG charter

Purpose

Terms of reference

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) recognises the important consultative role tax practitioners and tax industry representatives play in the administration of the Australian taxation and superannuation system and to support this role has established Regional Tax Practitioner Working Groups (RTPWGs).

The RTPWGs are sub-groups of the ATO Tax Practitioner Forum (ATPF) which facilitates communication between the ATO and tax practitioners about how the tax system is working.

ATO Tax Practitioner Forum

The ATPF is a peak national administrative forum that provides an opportunity for a candid exchange of views and for all parties to gain a mutual understanding of their respective situations.

This understanding will provide a sound basis for the forum to identify, discuss and jointly resolve significant tax administration issues and to identify, discuss and commission work in relation to initiatives that would assist tax administration overall.

As necessary, the ATPF will create working parties or liaise with other relevant forums to examine particular issues in more detail.

Regional Tax Practitioner Working groups

RTPWGs will:

• enable a broad range of tax practitioners to have practical input into the administration and operation of the Australian taxation and superannuation systems
• enhance communication between regional tax practitioners and the ATO
• provide an opportunity to identify, discuss and provide input to help with the resolution of significant tax and superannuation administration issues that can not be handled by regional tax practitioner service areas nor through usual ATO issue resolution mechanisms
• exchange information about future issues and events relating to the administration and operation of the Australian taxation and superannuation systems, and
• allow greater visibility of the joint participation between tax practitioners and the ATO.

Decision-making authority

The RTPWGs act in an advisory capacity to the ATO and assist the ATO in its decision-making role however; ultimately decisions reside with the Commissioner. Tax officers involved in the consultation processes will follow ATO procedures, including escalation processes, for the resolution of significant issues. To that end, senior officers from the Tax Practitioner and Lodgment Strategy (TPALS) business line provide leadership from an ATO perspective.

Members of RTPWGs are encouraged to participate constructively in full and frank discussions on the various topics, and to make recommendations on particular products, services and administrative approaches.

Type of forum and length of term

Type

The RTPWGs are an administrative advisory group promoting an open and frank exchange of views between the ATO, tax industry professional associations and taxation representatives.

The RTPWGs report to the ATPF.

Length of term

RTPWGs are on-going administrative working groups.