Creating a tax system that funds essential services, supports a strong economy and reflects the values of a trusted, high-performing Commonwealth agency – driven by the capability of our people and strengthened through collaboration with trusted partners.
Together these statements define what success looks like when our strategic shifts take hold, delivering better experiences, smarter processes and a tax system that creates value for the community every day.
Our people
- We lead with confidence and agility, united by a shared purpose and strong leadership.
- We make fast, clear decisions because priorities are transparent, responsibilities are well understood and we are trusted to act.
- We exercise strong stewardship of our resources, information and authority, building trust and accountability across the organisation.
- We deliver together, working across boundaries and leveraging our collective strengths to reduce silos and achieve outcomes.
- We act with empathy, professionalism and integrity, applying deep expertise and sound judgment to support taxpayers through complexity, hold steady in difficult interactions and make fair, proportionate decisions.
- We are highly capable in digital and analytics, supported by modern systems and timely insights, that strengthen judgment and focus our effort where it matters most.
- As an agency, we attract and grow people who are curious, adaptable and build meaningful careers in a contemporary, purpose‑driven organisation.
Our partners
Australia’s tax system operates as a connected, trusted and resilient ecosystem that works seamlessly in the background of everyday life. Complexity and uncertainty are minimised, and confidence is high that the system is fair, secure and effective. Through clear roles, secure data sharing and coordinated action across partners, the system is easy to engage with, hard to misuse, and trusted to ensure everyone contributes their share.
Tax practitioners and advisers remain integral to the tax system, supporting taxpayers to understand their obligations, navigate complexity and comply with the law. As self-service options mature, taxpayers with simpler affairs will have greater opportunity to self-manage, while retaining the option to engage an agent where appropriate. Strong action will continue against those who encourage avoidance or non-compliance to protect the integrity of the system.
Digital service providers are central to tax compliance, embedding obligations into natural systems and processes and delivering compliance by design. Clear standards define their role, ensuring security, integrity and innovation.
Government agencies and regulators at all levels work together seamlessly, sharing data securely to improve services, policies and research. Community experiences are more joined up, with engagement streamlined and red tape reduced. This reduces compliance and reporting burdens.
Financial institutions and payment networks play a greater role in verifying transactions, withholding tax compliance and supporting trusted, real-time flows of tax and super payment data.
International jurisdictions cooperate consistently, exchanging information quickly to promote transparency and protect Australia’s tax base so that global entities pay their share.
Taxpayers
- All taxpayers value the tax system and recognise its important contribution to Australian society.
- The system feels fair, transparent, with support available when needed. Digital services operate in real-time in the systems and processes taxpayers naturally use, so obligations are met by default.
- Most taxpayers and their advisers can self-serve to get answers and resolve issues enabling the ATO to focus on complex matters and supporting those experiencing vulnerability.
- Interactions are streamlined, with fewer calls and less paper as services shift to simple, real-time digital channels for the majority.
- Payments and reporting occur closer to the taxable event, providing confidence that everything is on track. Debt is rare because tax and super are paid correctly and on time, with earlier action when issues arise.
- Issues are identified earlier, with timely, proportionate actions discouraging deliberate non-compliance and fraud and protecting the system.
We are transforming the system for the following …
Smaller businesses and self-employed individuals – tax is integrated into everyday business systems and processes. Reporting and payments occur naturally within normal business workflows, supported by real-time prompts that reduce errors and help businesses stay on track. Obligations are met by default, supporting a level playing field and reducing the impact of missed or delayed payments.
Fraudsters – fraud is increasingly prevented before it occurs, through earlier detection across the financial and digital ecosystem. Integrated data enables rapid disruption of harmful behaviours, while safeguards protect taxpayers from identity takeover and scams. Where fraud is attempted, proportionate action is taken early, working with partner agencies to apply appropriate consequences and maintain confidence in the system.
We are evolving the system for the following …
Individuals – salary and wage earners – tax is simple by design and compliance is met by default. Individuals can lodge and manage their tax quickly using digital services, leveraging simplified deductions and support informed by data obtained from natural systems. Timelier payment information will keep taxpayers on track during the year, not just at tax time. Tailored support is available for those who need help or where digital access is limited or unavailable.
Wealthy individuals and their related entities – complex structures are more transparent, reporting, lodgment and payment occur accurately and on time, and data enables earlier assurance reducing opportunities for tax arbitrage. Clear expectations and aligned payment cycles ensure accurate reporting regardless of complexity.
Taxpayers with Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) – SMSF reporting is timely, visible and assured. Earlier detection of mismanagement, misreporting and illegal early release protects members’ retirement savings while quick, proportionate consequences for non-compliance strengthen trust in the system.
Not-for-profits (NFPs) – NFPs understand and meet their obligations with confidence. Clear, tailored guidance and strong record keeping practices reduce unintentional errors and support sound governance. Concessions are used correctly and consistently across the sector, strengthening fairness and transparency.
Large employers and government agencies – major employers set the benchmark for accuracy and on-time third party reporting. Payments tied to taxable events including through initiatives like Payday Super provide real-time assurance that employee entitlements are correct. Their scale supports a stronger, more reliable reporting system for the entire system.
Large foreign entities – meet their obligations transparently and on time. Clearer expectations, stronger visibility of Australian activities and early identification of cross border risk limit opportunities for profit shifting. These entities contribute fairly to Australia’s revenue base and uphold confidence in the system.
We are maintaining the system for the following …
Large domestic businesses and APRA funds – we are maintaining high compliance standards across Australia’s largest and most influential entities. Strong governance and early certainty, enabled by trusted digital interactions, reduce risk and manual effort. These organisations continue to set the compliance standard the rest of the system follows.