2019 Completed matters
Below are the consultation matters registered in 2018 that have been completed.
If you require further information about the matters listed below, email consult@ato.gov.au.
[201918] Successor fund transfer (SFT) guidance [NEW]
[201914] User Testing – Tax Time change impacts on the user experience for agents, small businesses and individuals
[201913] Proof of record at contact questions
[201912] Lost members register protocol [NEW]
[201911] SMSF auditor discover
[201907] BAS prefill research
[201904] Director identification number user research
[201901] Proposed public advice and guidance strategy – Treasury Laws Amendment (Making Sure Foreign Investors Pay Their Fair Share of Tax in Australia and Other Measures) Bill 2018
[201918] Successor fund transfer (SFT) guidance
Purpose
To gain insights into the information and support required by the superannuation industry regarding their reporting requirements and obligations when funds go through a SFT.
Description
To consider existing guidance material available to superannuation funds to support them through the successor fund transfer process and identify where improvements can be made.
Who we consulted
Industry representatives and professional associations
Outcome
We received positive feedback and the information obtained from attendees will be used to update our communication products and guidance material for APRA funds entering in to a SFT arrangement.
Contact
Larissa Evans, Director, Superannuation and Employment Obligations
larissa.evans@ato.gov.au telephone (07) 3149 5685
[201914] User Testing – Tax Time change impacts on the user experience for agents, small businesses and individuals
Purpose
To obtain feedback on the Tax Time experience of:
- small businesses that are Single Touch Payroll (STP) employers
- registered agents servicing small business clients who are STP employers as well as individuals employed by STP employers
- individuals who are employer by STP employers that prepare their own income tax returns
Description
Findings obtained through this research will be used to inform and shape communications and support products for these groups.
Who we consulted
Small business, agents and individuals.
Outcome
The information we obtained will be used to inform and shape communications and support products for small businesses, registered agents and individuals.
Contact
David Owen, ATO Design
david.owen@ato.gov.au telephone (03) 9285 1901
[201913] Proof of record at contact questions
Purpose
To update the ATO's proof of record at contact questions in accordance with community expectations.
Description
The ATO is conducting user testing with a broad range of individuals across the community to gauge the effectiveness and comprehension of a new set of proof of record at contact questions that individuals will be required to answer to prove their identity before accessing their tax record via telephone.
Who we consulted
Broad range of individuals.
Outcome
Consultation participants highlighted specific questions that were challenging to answer when proving their identity at contact. These questions have since been revised based on community feedback and will be released mid-June 2019.
Contact
Luke Anderson, Client Register Integrity, Client Account Services
Luke.Anderson@ato.gov.au telephone (07) 3149 5527
[201912] Lost members register protocol
Purpose
To seek feedback on proposed changes to the lost members register protocol incorporating:
- recent changes to the law
- clarification to content based on enquiries received from industry.
Description
The lost members register protocol requires changes to be made as a consequence of recent changes to the law. In addition, we are taking the opportunity to incorporate changes that will clarify some of the information in the protocol as a consequence of enquiries received from industry.
Who we consulted
Interested superannuation industry stakeholders
Outcome
Feedback received has been considered and adjustments to the protocol have been made.Once technical clearance is obtained the document will be published.
Contact
Melissa Eagleson, Super Audience Team, Marketing and Communications
Melissa.Eagleson@ato.gov.au telephone (02) 9685 8599
[201911] SMSF auditor discovery
Purpose
To understand SMSF auditor business processes and explore potential future state options to replace the eSAT tool.
Description
The role of an SMSF auditor is to ensure the integrity of the SMSF industry. eSAT is the sole digital channel available for SMSF Approved Auditors to lodge an Auditor Contravention Report.
As part of our future digital experience, the ATO is looking to provide an improved and contemporary digital service for Approved Auditors, streamlining reports and aligning with current ATO digital services.
Who we consulted
SMSF approved auditors
Outcome
Auditors were interviewed in Brisbane and Townsville on 9-11 April 2019 and a focus group was held in Brisbane on 16 April 2019.
Participants assisted to validate and refine current processes, provide feedback on issues and irritants and explore the future of the SMSF audit industry to identify potential future needs. Participants then collaborated to create future concepts for an improved experience.
This research will be used to help shape the future auditor digital experience.
Contact
Jill Tropea, Project Officer, Superannuation and Employer Obligations
Jill.Tropea@ato.gov.au telephone (07) 4753 7151
[201907] BAS prefill research
Purpose
To test the feasibility of a GST Simplified Accounting Method to support pre-filling of the BAS with third party data by better understanding the challenges faced by ride sourcing drivers in complying with their tax obligations.
Description
A Simplified Accounting Method for GST would provide ride sourcing drivers with the option to apportion their expenses based on their total fares.
This would remove the need to manually track GST expenses and calculate GST credits claimed on the BAS.
GST reporting on the BAS could potentially be pre-filled from third party data where the driver has simple GST obligations.
Whilst the BAS pre-fill research is explorative in nature, the ATO is seeking to validate whether this would enhance the client experience and make it easier to lodge and pay the BAS on time.
Who we consulted
Ride sourcing drivers
Outcome
Feedback from the consultation sessions was positive, with participants confirming that an option such as the Simplified Accounting Method would make it easier for some drivers to comply with their tax obligations.
Consultation feedback will be used to further refine our understanding of the feasibility of a GST Simplified Accounting Method for ride sourcing drivers and inform future iterations of the solution.
Contact
Lauren Taylor, Business Development Officer, Small Business
Lauren.Taylor@ato.gov.au telephone (07) 3213 5113
[201904] Director identification number user research
Purpose
To further understand the user experience relating to obtaining a proposed director identification number (DIN).
Description
Building on previous consultation and co-design we are continuing to refine with users a future experience for the issue of a DIN to each director of any company registered or operating in Australia based on current draft legislation in Treasury Laws Amendment (Registries Modernisation and Other Measures) Bill 2019External Link.
Who we consulted
Members of the business community, professional associations, industry and tax and legal professionals.
Outcome
We are incorporating the feedback to refine a future DIN user experience.
Contact
Maria Martin, Assistant Director, ATO Design
DirectorIdentificationNumber@ato.gov.au telephone (02) 6216 5875
[201901] Proposed public advice and guidance strategy – Treasury Laws Amendment (Making Sure Foreign Investors Pay Their Fair Share of Tax in Australia and Other Measures) Bill 2018
Purpose
To seek feedback and examples that may assist the Commissioner in developing public advice and guidance.
Description
Community input is being sought on our proposed public advice and guidance strategy on measures contained in the Treasury Laws Amendment (Making Sure Foreign Investors Pay Their Fair Share of Tax in Australia and Other Measures) Bill 2018External Link. The proposal outlines the products that we expect to publish, including the topic areas and additional description and/or details for each topic.
Amongst other things, the Bill seeks to improve the integrity of the income tax law for arrangements involving stapled structures and to limit access to tax concessions for foreign investors by increasing the managed investment trust (MIT) withholding rate on fund payments that are attributable to non-concessional MIT income to 30%.
Who we consulted
Community
Outcome
The ATO has concluded consultation on this public advice and guidance strategy. A consultation paper was released and feedback sought to enable the ATO to determine the best approach and priority that should be given to any guidance.
The ATO is now working on drafting its advice and guidance with an aim of having the guidance to market before the 1 July commencement date for the relevant measures.
The ATO’s Advice under development program will show products as they are registered on the program which is updated monthly.
Contact
Tim Rowe, Assistant Commissioner, Tax Counsel Network
Tim.Rowe@ato.gov.au telephone (03) 9285 1798
The list of consultation matters registered in 2019 that have been completed or actioned through other processes.