Responding to a tax review, investigation or audit

Turn ATO scrutiny into resolution with experienced tax dispute specialists on your side.

The ATO has questioned your tax position and is demanding answers, documents, and explanations. We will assess whether your position is correct, formulate your strongest response, and represent you confidently through the entire process. You will resolve the dispute with certainty and move forward without looking over your shoulder.

What does a tax review, investigation or audit involve?

A tax review or audit occurs when the ATO questions how you have treated certain transactions in your tax returns. It may begin with a routine information request and escalate to a formal investigation if the ATO is not satisfied with your responses. Early, expert engagement is the most effective way to manage the process and limit the outcome.

What is the difference between a tax review and a formal audit?

A tax review is typically a preliminary inquiry where the ATO asks questions about specific transactions. A formal audit is a more structured process involving greater ATO powers to examine records in detail. Both require prompt, careful responses. We will advise you on the appropriate level of engagement for your situation.

What penalties can apply if the ATO finds an error in my tax return?

Penalties for tax shortfalls typically range from 25 to 75 per cent of the underpaid amount, depending on whether the ATO considers the error to be careless, reckless, or intentional. Interest also accrues on the unpaid amount. Voluntary disclosure before or during an audit can significantly reduce the penalty applied.

Can I reduce penalties by cooperating with an ATO audit?

Yes. Cooperating fully with the ATO, providing accurate information, and making voluntary disclosures where appropriate can significantly reduce the penalties applied. We will advise you on how to engage with the ATO in a way that protects your interests and maximises the chance of penalty reduction.

How long does an ATO audit typically take?

The duration of an ATO audit varies depending on the complexity of the issues and how quickly information is exchanged. Some audits resolve within a few months, while others take considerably longer. Engaging experienced legal representation early typically results in a faster and more favourable outcome.

Minimise or eliminate penalties and interest charges.

Preserve your wealth from aggressive ATO recovery action.

Protect your reputation and business interests.

Not sure whether your tax position will stand up to ATO scrutiny?

Before we outline the process, let us give you an independent assessment of your position. We will tell you honestly whether we think you are right, and what your best options are from here.

When the Tax Office disagrees with you.

The ATO has questioned your tax position and is asking for information, explanations, and documents. You are not sure whether your position will hold, and the penalties for getting the response wrong could be significant.

You have always tried to do the right thing. Don't let the ATO make you feel otherwise.

You have been running a successful business and meeting your tax obligations. You believe you have paid your fair share. Then a notice arrives from the Tax Office questioning how you have treated certain transactions, and the implication is that you have got something wrong. The potential penalties are significant, and the uncertainty is affecting everything.

What's included in your tax audit response service

Independent assessment of your tax position and likely ATO outcome.
Review and organisation of all relevant financial records and documentation.
Preparation of a technically sound written response to the ATO.
Voluntary disclosure strategy advice to reduce penalties where applicable.
Ongoing ATO liaison and representation through to resolution.

The ATO has challenged your tax position.

If you respond unconvincingly or ignore the ATO’s investigation, you may face penalties of up to 75 percent of the tax shortfall, plus mounting interest. Failing to cooperate can attract additional civil penalties. You may also miss the opportunity to make voluntary disclosures that would have significantly reduced the amount payable.

Here is how we resolve your tax dispute and get the Tax Office off your back.

We will first give you an independent assessment of whether your position is defensible. If you are right, we will build a compelling case and convince the ATO. If there is an issue, we will manage the process to minimise penalties and reach the best outcome available. Either way, you will put this behind you with your reputation and financial position intact.

Your roadmap through the tax dispute.

Take control early and give yourself the best chance of a favourable outcome.

Assess your position

We will review your ATO notice and give you an independent opinion on whether your tax treatment is defensible, what the risks are, and what options are available to you.

Build your response

We will prepare a comprehensive, technically rigorous response, identify voluntary disclosure opportunities, and develop a strategy to minimise any penalties.

Negotiate and resolve

We will manage all ATO interactions, present your case, negotiate to achieve the best outcome available, and help you put measures in place to avoid future disputes.

Experienced tax dispute lawyers who have represented taxpayers for 25 years.

We understand how frustrating and frightening it is to have the Tax Office question transactions you believe were handled correctly. It is not fair that the onus is on you to get everything right, only to have the ATO second-guess you years later. We have confidently represented taxpayers with disputed tax totalling millions, and we deal with the Tax Office regularly enough to understand how they think and how to get results.

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 assess your position, tell you honestly what we think, and take control of your ATO response from here.

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