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Small Business Consultation Register

The register lists small business operators involved in consultation with the ATO.

Last updated 14 January 2025

The Small Business Consultation Register is a list of small business operators who help us deliver improved services for small business by providing practical business and industry expertise.

We invite both current and former business operators who have experience running a small business to join. This is vital to achieving better engagement between the ATO and small business. Together we can improve ATO products and services, so operators can focus on the important job of running their small business.

How the register works

Members are engaged on a short-term, as-needs basis to participate in various consultation activities, including:

  • participating in workshops, research sessions and focus groups
  • participating in online consultation activities
  • providing feedback on processes and documentation
  • providing opinions from the perspective of a small business operator
  • conducting end-user testing of products.

Members are generally paid for activities they participate in.

Eligibility for the register

If you have experience as a small business operator in Australia you can be part of our register. We are looking for small business operators with an annual turnover of less than $10 million.

Applicants should be located in or willing to travel to a capital city. However, some activities may be conducted via phone or online and not require any travel. Any reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Do I need tax or super expertise?

We want to understand things from a small business operator's perspective, so we ask that you have some experience running a small business. No other special qualification or knowledge is needed. No tax, super or consulting experience is necessary. We just want your thoughts and opinions so we can explore problems and develop solutions that work for small business.

Can tax and BAS agents register?

The register is open to small business operators, so tax and BAS agents who are small business owners themselves are welcome to join.

Time commitments and reimbursements

Time commitments will vary depending on the activity. When you join the register, we add you to a list of small businesses we know are interested in working with us. We contact you if a certain consultation opportunity matches your business. Some activities include user testing for 90 minutes while others could be full-day workshops.

It’s okay if you are not available due to business commitments – you can remain on the register and be engaged for another activity at a later time.

Members are paid for their participation. Payment amounts will vary depending on the activity and its duration.

Applying for or leaving the register

To apply to join the register, complete the application form and email it to us at smallbusinessconsultation@ato.gov.au.

If you wish to leave the register, email smallbusinessconsultation@ato.gov.au with the word 'Unsubscribe' in the subject line.

If you have any further questions about the register, email us at smallbusinessconsultation@ato.gov.au.

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