Unsolicited ATO Communications

Oct 20, 2015 | Accounting & Tax, Business

Adam Roberts


A growing trend has recently emerged on an international scale in respect of identity theft and the coercing of confidential information from unwilling parties. Recent activity has seen an increase in the number of superfluous emails and telephone calls being made directly to taxpayers from individuals acting as Australian Taxation Office officials. These emails are quite shrewd, with correspondence being issued from email addresses such as ***@ato.gov.au.

It is important to note that the Australian Taxation Office does not communicate via email. In the event that an email is received from a party acting as an Australian Taxation Office representative, this email should be deleted immediately, ensuring that no attachments are opened. Similarly, the Australian Taxation Office will in most cases not phone the taxpayer directly. Dialogue will be conducted initially with a tax agent. The key message here is that if you receive an email or call from someone other than your LBW Chartered Accountants representative in respect of your taxation affairs, that you contact us immediately to discuss the validity of the communication.

Related insights

Your June 30 guide to superannuation contributions

Your June 30 guide to superannuation contributions

The end of the financial year is fast approaching, making now the ideal time to review your super. Even small additional contributions before 30 June can make a big difference to your retirement savings over time, thanks to the power of compounding returns.  This...

read more
How diversified ETFs can simplify your investment plan

How diversified ETFs can simplify your investment plan

With so many ETFs listed on the Australian stock market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Many ETFs focus on a single asset type, like Australian shares or overseas bonds. If you only invest in one type of investment, there’s more risk. That’s why...

read more

Subscribe for the latest news + updates

Get in touch to explore your opportunities with an LBW expert and discover your journey to a better financial future.