…to create a more connected tax system.
We aspire to a future where the ATO acts as a trusted steward of a shared digital ecosystem, with clear roles, strong standards and partnerships that enable compliance by design.
Today, the tax system is delivered through a broad ecosystem of partners, including digital intermediaries, tax practitioners and advisers, financial counsellors, software platforms, financial institutions, regulators, other government agencies (federal and state/territory) and international counterparts. These participants shape how tax obligations are understood, met and assured.
When connections or information flows between partners and channels are fragmented, burden shifts to taxpayers and vulnerabilities emerge. Addressing this requires system-level change across the ecosystem. We’ll work with partners to embed tax administration into the systems taxpayers already use, supported by secure digital identity, digital channels and trusted data flows.
We’re connecting better
We’ll transform tax administration and deepen integration across the ecosystem, reducing duplication and re-reporting so partners are enabled to add value for taxpayers, particularly those with more complex needs and circumstances.
Together, we’ll design compliance into processes and products, enable verification of key transactions and support secure, real-time data flows through digital services and APIs.
As a large Commonwealth agency, the ATO will steward and orchestrate this ecosystem, working openly with partners, sharing what we know and solving problems together. We'll set and work in partnership with other government agencies and regulators to deliver connected services and build community confidence.
Shifts in action
4.1 Championing clearer roles and standards
as the system becomes more digitally connected – so partners know what’s expected and how they contribute.
4.2 Safeguarding trust across the ecosystem
by embedding safety, security and ethics in data sharing, service delivery and identity management – so taxpayers’ identity and data are protected.
4.3 Exploring ways to maximise data value
through legal sharing of tax data with trusted partners – so Australians experience better connected services.
We are shifting from ATO acting primarily as a central administrator, to stewarding a trusted and assured ecosystem, resulting in earlier visibility with more upfront compliance and enabled self-assessment.