These ATO case studies are a sample of outcomes from our files, covering audits, objections, penalty remission and voluntary disclosures. Client names are withheld for privacy, and figures are drawn from real matters. Some were resolved through the ATO’s settlement process. Every matter turns on its own facts, so past outcomes do not guarantee a similar result.
The ATO assessed a new arrival on about $500,000 brought in after a foreign social-security account closed. We objected to the Commissioner’s view and had the assessment amended.
The ATO heavily penalised a client with a long medical history for several years of unlodged returns. In response, we gathered the circumstances and put the case to the ATO.
Outcome: the ATO removed the full penalty and the general interest charges.
Outcome: the ATO accepted the disclosure and imposed no penalties.
AUSTRAC data flagged family funds of over $10m held in the client’s name. The ATO then assessed tax and penalties nearing $5m, mortgaged property and blocked travel.
Outcome: settled at about $1m; as a result, the ATO released the mortgages and lifted the travel ban.
The ATO audited a company running six city cafes under the cash-economy taskforce and issued a $900,000 position paper on the indirect method.
Outcome: settled at $135,000, and the client put better controls in place.
The ATO assessed online poker earnings as business income, near $200,000 in tax. We objected on whether the client was carrying on any business at all.
Outcome: the ATO removed the tax it had assessed after the audit.
Outcome: resolved in the taxpayer’s favour, with the ATO accepting most workers as contractors.
An employer faced a 200% Part 7 penalty on late super. The ATO had already remitted half; however, the balance was still heavy.
The ATO denied clothing and cosmetics deductions in full on audit.
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