Tax havens and tax administration

Warning: This information may not apply to the current year. Check the content carefully to ensure it is applicable to your circumstances.

How we identify and deal with promoters and intermediaries

We are actively pursuing promoters, intermediaries and their associates who market or support abusive tax haven schemes. We identify promoters and intermediaries through a broad range of intelligence sources, including:

advertising material, such as media articles and brochures advertising seminars
internet sites
statements about products (including information memorandums and product disclosure statements)
AUSTRAC analysis
information from other government agencies
exchanges of information with the tax administrations of other countries under our tax treaties
private ruling requests
Australian business number (ABN) and tax file number registrations
lodgment requirements and return information
audits and investigations
information from their clients who may be under investigation
information from tax professionals and the public (both domestic and overseas).

Our strategies for dealing with promoters generally include:

requiring high-risk promoters to lodge their tax returns early and provide expanded tax returns
exchanging information with overseas tax administrations
using our access powers, including unannounced access visits where appropriate (we have used our formal powers to visit the premises of Australian promoters of tax haven-related tax schemes)
working with the AFP, ACC and CDPP on possible criminal prosecutions.

Sections within Risks for promoters

Last Modified: Tuesday, 18 October 2011