Administrative law action, tax dispute

Challenge unfair ATO decisions and protect your financial interests.

The ATO has made a decision that significantly affects your tax position and you believe it is incorrect. We will challenge the ATO’s position, navigate the objection process, and take your case to the Administrative Review Tribunal or Federal Court if required. You will have experienced advocates fighting for your rights and clear legal pathways to overturn unfair decisions.

What is an administrative law action and when do you need one?

An administrative law action is a formal legal challenge to a decision made by the ATO. This covers disputing assessments, penalties, and other administrative actions through the objection process, the Administrative Review Tribunal, or the Federal Court. If the ATO has taken a position you believe is wrong, you have the right to challenge it.

What is an ATO administrative law action?

An administrative law action allows you to formally challenge an ATO decision you believe is incorrect. This includes assessments, penalties, and other administrative actions, which can be disputed through the objection process, the Administrative Review Tribunal, or the Federal Court. It is the mechanism that lets you level the playing field against the ATO.

How long do I have to challenge an ATO decision?

Strict timeframes apply. You generally have 60 days from the date of an assessment to lodge a formal objection, though timeframes vary depending on the type of decision. Acting quickly preserves all available options and gives you the strongest possible position.

What happens if I miss the objection deadline?

If you miss the deadline, the ATO’s decision becomes final and you lose the right to challenge it. In some circumstances a late objection can be accepted, but this requires the ATO’s agreement and is not guaranteed. Contact us immediately if your deadline is approaching.

Can I challenge ATO penalties as well as the underlying assessment?

Yes. Both the primary tax assessment and any penalties imposed can be challenged through the objection process. Penalties can sometimes be reduced or remitted even where the underlying tax liability is upheld, particularly where there are mitigating circumstances.

Challenge excessive ATO assessments and penalties.

Overturn unfair administrative decisions.

Protect your reputation and business interests.

Not sure whether you have grounds to challenge the ATO's position?

Before we go further, let us give you an independent assessment of your ATO notice and the strength of your position. Most clients are surprised by the options available to them.

The ATO can get things wrong.

The ATO has made a decision that significantly affects your finances and you believe it is incorrect, unfair, or unreasonable. Without a formal challenge, their position becomes final, and you pay the price for a decision you had every right to dispute.

We will assess your ATO notice and identify every available avenue to challenge the decision.
We will prepare and lodge a formal objection with compelling legal arguments and supporting evidence.
We will represent you at the Administrative Review Tribunal or Federal Court if the matter cannot be resolved at objection stage.

You have played by the rules. Don't accept an ATO decision you believe is wrong.

You have built your success through hard work and integrity, always meeting your tax obligations. Now the ATO has issued an assessment or taken action that threatens your finances, whether it is a retrospective audit, an aggressive interpretation of the law, or penalties that bear no relation to the reality of your situation. The amount they are demanding could cripple your business or destroy your financial security.

What's included in your tax dispute service

Expert review and assessment of your ATO notice or administrative decision.
Preparation and lodgement of a formal objection with supporting evidence.
Strategic advice on voluntary disclosure opportunities where relevant.
Representation at the Administrative Review Tribunal or Federal Court if required.
Direct ATO negotiations on your behalf throughout the process.

When the ATO gets it wrong, you pay the price.

If you do not challenge the ATO’s position within strict timeframes, their decision becomes final. You will be forced to pay assessments you do not owe and face penalties you do not deserve, losing your right to appeal. The ATO can then pursue collection through garnishee notices, property caveats, and asset recovery action.

Here is how we put you back in control of your tax position.

We level the playing field by bringing deep legal expertise to your defence. We challenge ATO decisions systematically, from detailed objections to Tribunal and Federal Court proceedings. With the dispute resolved, you can return to building your business without the cloud of tax uncertainty hanging over everything you do.

Your roadmap through the tax dispute.

Don't let the ATO have the last word. Fight back with expert legal representation.

Immediate assessment

We will review your ATO notice, identify all critical deadlines, and give you a clear, honest assessment of your position and the options available.

Strategic response

We will prepare and lodge a powerful objection with compelling legal arguments, relevant precedents, and supporting evidence to challenge the ATO's decision.

Resolution or escalation

We will negotiate firmly for the best outcome. If required, we will represent you at the Administrative Review Tribunal or Federal Court with thorough preparation and full advocacy.

Experienced tax dispute lawyers who have successfully challenged the ATO for over 25 years.

We understand the shock and frustration of receiving an ATO assessment you fundamentally disagree with. We know what it is like to feel the weight of government bureaucracy bearing down on you, with strict deadlines and complex procedures designed to intimidate. For over 25 years, ADLV Law has successfully challenged ATO decisions and secured favourable outcomes for clients across a wide range of tax disputes.

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.

Don't face the ATO alone.

Speak with one of our experienced tax dispute lawyers today. We will review your ATO notice, identify your options, and fight for the outcome you deserve.

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