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Our research

Before you participate in any survey, discussion group or interview, you can check here that it's really our research.

Last updated 23 September 2020

The ATO researches people's attitudes to and opinions about the way it administers the tax and super systems. This is conducted mainly through phone and online surveys, discussion groups and individual interviews. Sometimes we contact you directly, but we usually engage research companies to work on our behalf.

You can confirm an invitation is current and from the ATO, by checking Current research projects.

Our research falls into two broad groups: regular (or ongoing) surveys and one-off research projects.

Regular surveys

We regularly conduct surveys to monitor perceptions about the way we administer the tax and super systems and to gauge satisfaction levels with how we operate. We consult with the general community and the business community as well as tax professionals and intermediaries.

One-off research projects

We conduct research projects on specific aspects of the tax system, including:

  • our service channels (such as phone and web)
  • the services we provide
  • our tax and super advice and information.

How we use our research

We use research to, for example:

  • monitor whether our services are keeping pace with community expectations
  • find out how we can make it easier for people to meet their tax obligations
  • understand the attitudes and behaviours associated with compliance with tax and super laws
  • seek opinions on the design and content of our educational and information products.

See also:

The ATO selects research participants to be representative of the groups we want to know more about. Your participation is voluntary and even if you agree to take part, you have a number of rights.

Use this list to view and verify our research projects if you have been asked to partake in ATO research.

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