Tax Time 2025 – Help and support for individuals to get it right at Tax Time
The ATO is already seeing some good traction in the media for Tax Time 2025 communications. The first media release for Tax Time 2025, ATO unveils ‘wild’ tax deduction attempts and priorities for 2025, sent a clear message that exaggerated claims are not tolerated.
Key focus areas are the same as for Tax Time 2024 focusing on a 'back to basics' theme with the additional focus of the ATO app. The aim is to improve education and understanding of tax assessment outcomes and the behaviours that influence them. The ATO will use clear communication to reduce confusion and misunderstanding about individual taxpayer obligations.
Another area of focus is support for culturally and linguistically diverse audiences. The tax and super basics campaign has been translated into 12 different languages. The ATO has received positive feedback from non-English speakers so far.
Counter Fraud Program – Protecting against fraud and strengthening system integrity
The Australian Government provided $187 million to the ATO to establish and run the Counter Fraud Program (CFP) over 4 years from 1 July 2024. This was done to strengthen the ATO's systems and controls to help prevent, detect, monitor, and respond to identity crime that is caused by attacks on ATO systems.
The CFP program is divided into 6 projects that help deliver interconnected strategies. One of the projects includes enhancements made to the ATO app. New security functionality is being implemented to enable the app to be a secure channel, increasing taxpayer visibility and control over their ATO account and assisting them to protect against fraud.
The ATO app is an effective way to interact with taxpayers on a personal device and it is the ideal ATO platform for a secure messaging capability. Real time communication is effective because people generally have their personal device with them all the time. The app is available on all mobile phone and tablet platforms. Google Play and the Apple App Store regulate the publishing of apps and verify them as genuine, meaning they can't be easily impersonated or intercepted. The new functionality will be rolled out during June and July 2025.
Member comments
Members raised questions around the creation of a myID with a strong rating. Members also asked about what resources and support are available for people who are victims of scams or other fraud.
Attendees
|
Organisation |
Member or Attendee |
|---|---|
|
ATO |
Robert Thomson (Chair), Individuals and Intermediaries |
|
ATO |
Cathy Hummel, Superannuation and Employer Obligations |
|
ATO |
Melanie Casey, Individuals and Intermediaries |
|
ATO |
Nathan Lymberopoulos, Frontline Operations |
|
ATO |
Tara Pamula, Frontline Operations |
|
AMES Australia |
Maria Tsopanis |
|
Australian Shareholders Association Limited |
Eden Zanatta |
|
Federation of Ethnic Communities' Council of Australia |
Emanuel Valageorgiou |
|
Financial Counselling Australia |
Zyl Hovenga-Wauchope |
|
Real Estate Institute of Australia |
Jock Kreitals |
|
Tax Clinic |
Connie Vitale |
|
Treasury |
Bede Fraser |
Guest attendees
|
Organisation |
Attendee |
|---|---|
|
ATO |
Christine Moodie, Enterprise Solutions and Technology |
|
ATO |
Jillian Mathieson, Individuals and Intermediaries |
|
ATO |
Katherine Philp, ATO Corporate |
|
ATO |
Wendy Waters, Individuals and Intermediaries |
Apologies
|
Organisation |
Member |
|---|---|
|
ATO |
Andrew Watson, Individuals and Intermediaries |
|
ATO |
Anita Challen, Frontline Operation |
|
ATO |
Trevor Schloss, Superannuation and Employer Obligations |
|
Australian Securities and Investments Commission |
Andrew Dadswell |
|
Financial Counselling Australia |
Lynda Edwards |
|
First Nations Foundation |
Leah Bennett |
|
National Seniors Australia |
Brendon Radford |
|
People with Disability Australia |
Julian Laurens |