Tax Time 2012 publications online now
As part of our commitment to providing useful and accessible products and services, all 2012 instructions, forms and schedules will be available online. As mentioned in our Tax Time 2012 publications broadcast email we have ensured that you and your clients can easily access the tax time publications now by visiting Tax Time 2012 essentials or the Individual tax return instructions 2012 pages on ato.gov.au.
As in previous years, some 2012 publications are only available online and cannot be ordered as print publications through the ATO Publication Ordering Service.
Streamlined replacements TaxPack and TaxPack supplement have been replaced by two new print products: Individual tax return instructions and Individual tax return instructions supplement. The replacement products have been streamlined to focus on the information that applies to the majority of paper lodgers. As in previous years, however, the full set of individual tax return instructional information will still be available on our website.
Return integrity
We are using specialist technology to help identify and review returns that may contain missing or incorrect information. Claims outside normal occupation or individual ranges may result in a thorough review of all aspects of an individual’s tax affairs before a refund is issued. Some of the common issues identified include:
- understated income, or claims for false PAYG witholding credits
- overstated or fraudulent deductions
- non-entitlement to claimed rebates or offsets – for example, spouse offset and refund franking credits
- non-entitlement to a claimed Medicare levy exemption
- non-residents claiming to be residents for entitlement purposes
- instances of identity takeover through theft of tax file numbers and personal details.
Where we hold a return, we will write to taxpayers advising them of the expected delay. We will also provide a list of items that they have provided in their return that may require further verification.
Delays may also be experienced where third party information we use to verify some returns is not available when the tax return is lodged. For example, most employers are not required to lodge payment summary annual statements until 14 August. Tax returns lodged before that date may be delayed if this information needs to be verified. Also, tax returns with distributions from partnerships and trusts may be delayed when the related entity has not yet submitted its tax return.
Another reason for delay is where there are omissions and errors associated with the return, eg, wrong date of birth, transcription errors and the like.
Apple Mac users
For Tax Time 2012, the ATO has sought to develop an Apple Mac compatible version of the e-tax software as we are conscious of providing both a user-friendly and secure solution for users of non-Windows platforms. Unfortunately, due to a number of complexities related to IT security concerns and usability, e-tax for Apple Mac systems is not yet available. We will continue to work through these issues with a view to delivering a version suitable for Mac users in 2013.
Compliance
Our recently released 2011-12 Compliance Program describes the tax and superannuation compliance risks we are most concerned about and what we are doing to address them. This year our focus includes refund fraud, the cash economy and tax secrecy havens. We believe that being open and accountable about our compliance activities encourages voluntary compliance and builds community confidence.
Accountants play a vital role in helping people and businesses comply with their tax and superannuation obligations. This year we will place particular emphasis on delivering relevant information electronically, providing timely advice on emerging issues of concern using the ‘tax professional’ area of our website, webcasts, email broadcasts, eLink and seminars.
Although registered accountants like yourself can use our self-service products for routine matters, we can also help you assist your clients on more complex issues through our professional-to-professional service. I wish you all the very best for tax time 2012.
