Applying for a tax ruling or informal ATO opinion
Stop guessing. Get definitive answers from the ATO on your tax position.
Tax law is often ambiguous, and advisers sometimes disagree on how it applies to a particular arrangement. When the stakes are high enough, you need more than a well-reasoned opinion. A private binding ruling from the ATO gives you certainty: if you implement the arrangement as described, the ATO is bound by its ruling. ADLV Law prepares comprehensive ruling applications that present your strongest case, manage the ATO process, and secure the binding certainty you need to move forward.
Applying for a tax ruling or informal ATO opinion
What is a private binding ruling and how does it differ from an informal ATO opinion?
How long does it take to obtain a private binding ruling?
What information does a ruling application need to contain?
Can the ATO rule against me in a private binding ruling?
Protect yourself from penalties
Make confident business decisions
Gain binding ATO approval
Get clarity today.
Don't let tax uncertainty paralyse your business decisions.
- We will assess your situation and identify the most appropriate ruling or opinion to obtain.
- We will prepare a comprehensive, well-argued ruling application.
- We will lodge the application and manage all ATO correspondence.
- We will advocate for your preferred tax treatment through to resolution.
When you need certainty before committing to a significant transaction
You are a successful business owner or professional who takes compliance seriously. You want to do the right thing, but the tax laws affecting your situation are complex, ambiguous, or open to interpretation.
You are contemplating a significant transaction, perhaps a restructure, acquisition, property development, or new business arrangement – the stakes are too high to proceed without certainty.
What's included in your tax ruling service
- Strategic assessment of your tax position and ruling options.
- Comprehensive ruling application prepared by tax lawyers.
- Lodgement and management of all ATO correspondence.
- Advocacy for your preferred tax treatment through to resolution.
Tax uncertainty is expensive and dangerous.
Move forward without certainty and you risk unexpected tax bills, penalties of up to 75% of the shortfall, interest charges compounding from the date the tax was due, and ATO audits that consume your time and resources.
Every adviser has hedged their position with ‘it depends’ and ‘arguably’ – which tells you they are not prepared to stand behind their answer. Without a ruling, you are gambling your financial position on advice that is not binding.
From uncertainty to binding certainty
We navigate the ATO ruling process for you, transforming confusion into certainty. Our tax lawyers know exactly how to frame your situation to maximise your chances of a favourable ruling. We prepare comprehensive, persuasive applications that address all technical requirements, cite the relevant legislation and case law, and advocate for your preferred tax treatment. We handle all ATO correspondence and negotiations from lodgement to resolution. With your ruling secured, you move forward confidently with binding guidance from the ATO itself.
From tax uncertainty to binding certainty - one well-crafted application at a time.
Strategic assessment
We analyse your situation, identify the key tax issues, and determine the best ruling strategy - public, private, or informal opinion.
Application preparation
Our tax lawyers craft a compelling submission backed by legislation, case law, and ATO guidance, presenting your strongest case.
ATO engagement
We lodge your application, manage all ATO queries, and advocate for your position until you receive your ruling.
Tax lawyers with 25+ years preparing successful ATO ruling applications.
We understand you want to know the cost, before we get started.
We will map out our process, from beginning to end, so you know what the journey will look like before you get started.
We will provide you with a clear and detailed Work Proposal covering each step along the way.
Our fair fees are all-inclusive. No hidden costs for telephone calls, emails, photocopying, couriers, or coffee.
Our great lawyer guarantee
We want to be part of your team over the long term. We achieve this by adhering to these core principles:
Take the time
We listen carefully to understand what you want to achieve. Then we thoroughly explain our advice and step you through the documents. You can be sure you know the full consequences.
Share our knowledge
We will pass on as much knowledge as we can, so you can make your own informed decisions. We want to make you truly independent.
Stick to our knitting
We only do what we're good at. You can be confident that we know what we're doing and don't pass on the cost of our learning.
Work as one team
Someone will always be available to answer your questions, or point you in the right direction. You will also benefit from a range of perspectives and experience.
Fair pricing
For advice and documents, we provide a fixed or capped quote so you don't take price risk. If you're in a dispute, we map out the process and costs so you know what to expect.
It's your show
We're not in this for our egos. We're in it for a front row seat to witness your success.
