ATO leadership engagement
In November, the ATO delivered presentations across multiple forums, highlighting the need for vigilance against scams. The ATO promoted 3 simple steps that align to the National Anti-Scam Centre messaging:
- Stop – Pause before clicking links or sharing information.
- Check – Verify the source and authenticity of communications.
- Protect – Use strong passphrases, enable Multi-Factor Authentication, and keep software updated.
Tax time insights
Scam reports usually start low at tax time and peak around November. This year the trend reversed, reports were high at the start and have since declined. Most scams involve email-based phishing using embedded hyperlinks and ‘new notification’ lures.
Key statistics included:
- Scam reports up 52% compared to last tax time.
- 97% of scams are email-based – watch for suspicious links and attachments.
- Scammers continue to target personal identifying information rather than direct payments.
- No reports of direct payments to ATO impersonation scammers, but identity theft remains constant.
- ATO disrupted more than 2,000 malicious phishing websites during tax time 2025.
Find examples and updates on Scam alerts.
Tax Practitioners Board initiatives
The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) co-hosted a webinar with the ATO, ‘Protecting your business in a digital world’, attracting 4,200 participants with:
- 98% said it met expectations; 99% reported improved knowledge.
- Digital ID login implementation remains on track for quarter 1 next year, following collaboration with Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Office of the System Administrator, Australia Government Digital ID System.
- TPB’s December e-news article: ‘Stop cyber grinches before they strike’ promotes practices like installing updates, being cautious with unexpected emails, and reviewing cyber security before the Christmas break.
New course launch
To help small businesses strengthen cyber security, the ATO has launched a free, self-paced online course in CybersecurityExternal Link. It may also be helpful for tax practitioners to protect and secure their operations.