Compliance program 2011-12

Business activity statements

Around nine million business activity statements are lodged by micro enterprises each year. We analyse these statements to detect errors or possible fraudulent activity before we issue refunds. In some cases we may release the refund and seek verification at a later stage by phoning or visiting businesses and contacting third parties to substantiate claims.

We expect to verify over 47,000 refund claims during the year.

We will refer to the Tax Practitioners Board details of unregistered preparers and registered agents who have prepared fraudulent statements. Individuals who have perpetrated the fraud may be prosecuted.

We have received additional funding from government to increase our focus on preventing refund fraud, sham business operations and identity fraud. The more blatant fraudulent claims will be referred for prosecution.

Many businesses can access credits for the fuel used in business activities. We will review fuel tax credit claims that appear to be inflated or not legitimate. Those involved in preparing fraudulent statements may be prosecuted.

Sections within Micro enterprises

• Employer obligations
• Contractors
• Information matching
• Government payments
• Internet trading
• Reconstruction activity
• Cash economy
• Small business benchmarks
• Investments
• Self-managed superannuation funds
• Business activity statements
• Wine equalisation tax producer rebate
• Excise equivalent goods
• Managing tax debt