A strong tax and superannuation system depends on community confidence – confidence that the system is fair, administered with integrity, and that obligations are enforced consistently.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) plays a vital role in maintaining community confidence through our actions as the nation’s principal tax collector. That role is reflected in our purpose: to collect tax so that government can provide services for the Australian community. Our vision is for an Australia where every taxpayer meets their obligations because:
- complying is easy
- help is tailored
- deliberate non-compliance has consequences.
This corporate plan sets out the ATO’s focus for the year ahead. It provides a clear blueprint for how we will direct our efforts to deliver on our purpose and vision, and to maintain confidence in the tax system.
This year, we released the ATO Strategy, which outlines how we will evolve to meet both current and future challenges from an increasingly complex operating environment. It focuses on simplifying the tax experience, closing the payment gap, strengthening the system for the future, partnering across the tax ecosystem, and equipping a future-ready workforce. This corporate plan turns that strategy into action through a suite of priorities.
Our priorities identify where our effort and resources will be focused this year, including strengthening payment performance and debt collection, implementing the Government’s $1,000 instant tax deduction, expanding the dynamic pay as you go instalment pilot, enhancing counter-fraud measures, and delivering key reforms, such as Payday Super.
A further priority for the year ahead is to support the government’s regulatory reform agenda by reducing complexity, improving administrative efficiency, and minimising compliance costs for taxpayers.
We will do what we can to protect the integrity of the tax system. We will continue to take firm action against deliberate non-compliance, while supporting the vast majority of taxpayers who want to do the right thing. We are committed to supporting taxpayers experiencing vulnerability. We recognise that vulnerability can affect a taxpayer’s ability to meet their obligations. Our approach will be empathetic and proportionate, providing appropriate support while maintaining clear expectations.
Our people continue to play an essential role in delivering on our corporate plan commitments. I am proud to work alongside a committed, diverse and inclusive workforce serving the Australian community with professionalism and integrity. To support a future-ready workforce, we will continue to invest in our people, including through embedding our refreshed cultural commitments.
This corporate plan outlines the important functions of the Australian Taxation Office listed entity, comprising the work of the ATO, the TPB and the ACNC (including the ACNC Advisory Board). As the Accountable Authority for each of these bodies, I look forward to continuing to work constructively and collaboratively with the TPB Chair and the ACNC Commissioner.
This will be another significant year for the Australian Taxation Office. Together, we will continue to serve the Australian community with professionalism and integrity.
Rob Heferen
Commissioner of Taxation
Registrar of the Australian Business Register, Australian Business Registry Services, and
Register of Foreign Ownership of Australian Assets