OUR SERVICES
ATO Audit Help and Tax Audit Support
Facing an ATO audit? Get ATO audit help from day one. Our tax lawyers take over all ATO contact, protect your position and negotiate the best possible outcome.
What happens during an ATO audit?
The ATO opens an audit when its risk systems, data-matching or a tip-off flags your return. As a result, what you do in the first fortnight shapes everything that follows.
Reference Case: a $900,000 cash economy position paper settled at $135,000.
How long does an ATO audit take?
Simple reviews can resolve in weeks, whereas complex audits run for months. Early, well-managed ATO audit help is the single biggest factor in a faster, better outcome.
Reference Case: an ATO investigation into $2m received from overseas, resolved within two weeks.
How we defend you in an ATO audit
We take over all ATO contact and control what is disclosed and when. At the same time, we build the legal and factual case for your position before it hardens against you.
Reference Case: a PAYG and super claim of over half a million resolved in the client’s favour.
WHAT WE HANDLE
ATO audits we help with
Receiving an ATO audit notice is serious. How you respond in the opening stages can shape the whole outcome. For example, it can affect whether penalties are imposed, how much tax is finally assessed, and whether the matter escalates to court.
We act for individuals and businesses across every type of ATO audit, from a single deduction query through to offshore investigations and cash economy reviews run under the indirect method. We also act on audits and reviews run by state revenue offices. Our team is based in Sydney, and we provide ATO audit help to clients across Australia.
OUR PROCESS
How our ATO audit help works
The earlier you engage us, the better your position. Do not wait for the ATO to issue an assessment before seeking advice. In addition, a small business with turnover under $10 million can usually ask for an independent review of the ATO’s final audit position, generally within 14 days of the offer (ATO: small business independent review).
1. Initial case assessment
We read the ATO’s position closely and identify the strongest defensible arguments before anything is sent back.
2. Evidence gathering
We collect the financial records, correspondence and supporting documentation that carry your position.
3. ATO engagement
We correspond and meet with ATO officers on your behalf, so your case is put professionally and persuasively.
4. Resolution
We work toward the best available outcome, whether that is settlement, objection or legal proceedings.
FAQ
ATO audit help: frequently asked questions
What triggers an ATO audit?
The most common triggers are a substantial difference between your figures and ATO industry benchmarks, a sharp variation in the amount or pattern of your tax payments, discrepancies between your BAS and your tax return, a history of aggressive tax planning by you or a related entity, and information the ATO gathers from other government bodies, media reports or tip offs, including AUSTRAC data. An audit does not mean the ATO has decided anything yet.
How long does an ATO audit take?
Anywhere from a few weeks for a narrow review to many months for a complex audit. Engaging early usually shortens it.
Should I talk to the ATO myself?
Take advice first. Answers that seem harmless can narrow your defensible position; we manage ATO contact for you.
What happens if the ATO finds a shortfall?
You may face additional tax, penalties and interest, all of which can often be reduced with the right submission.
Can an ATO audit be settled?
Often, yes. The ATO can settle a dispute where both sides agree on an outcome, which avoids the cost of an objection or litigation (ATO: settlement). We prepare the evidence and negotiate the terms for you.
Where can I get ATO audit help in Sydney?
Our office is at Suite 903, Level 9, 265 Castlereagh Street, Sydney. We also give ATO audit help to clients elsewhere in Australia and overseas.
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WHO WE ARE
Why Australian Tax Experts?
Facing a tax problem with the ATO can be one of the most stressful experiences in business or personal life. Whether it is an audit notice, a penalty assessment, or undeclared overseas income, the choices you make in the first days carry the most weight.
At Australian Tax Experts, our specialist tax lawyers and tax accountants work together on every matter, combining legal rigour with precise financial analysis. We do not hand your case between departments. You get both disciplines working in your interest from day one.
Since 2010 we have defended clients against the ATO across offshore income, business audits, superannuation disputes, penalty remissions and complex capital gains tax matters.
If you have a tax concern, whether small or serious, contact us for a confidential consultation. Early engagement is the single most important step you can take.
WATCH
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