ATO commits to cost-cutting strategies
The ATO has committed to reducing compliance costs in accordance with the expectations of Treasurer Joe Hockey.
In a statement released last week, the ATO said it is committed to reducing compliance costs for business and the community by “providing contemporary services and making it easier for people to participate in the tax and superannuation systems”.
The ATO also stated it is progressing several “key strategies” that aim to simplify interactions, increase automation and reduce compliance costs.
“For individuals, we are developing a light touch or no touch income tax experience. This includes personalised and pre-filled tax returns that will minimise the cost and time involved in return form preparation,” the ATO stated.
“For businesses, the ATO is moving towards a tailored reporting regime - that will help reduce red tape and free businesses to focus on running their business. We will leverage digital record-keeping and business software to make complying with tax and superannuation obligations a by-product of their day to day activities.”
The ATO has also flagged its intentions to be “more open” to consultation.
“Open to hearing different views, open to change, and open to working with others to devise solutions to problems and make the most of opportunities,” the statement said.
“We have established, and are bedding down, new external consultation arrangements that are intended to be flexible and responsive mechanisms for consulting the right people at the right time on the right issues.
“The reinventing the ATO program involves a major cultural shift which focuses on improving the client experience and minimising compliance costs for business and the community which is consistent with the government vision for the ATO to be a high-performing and responsive agency,” it said.
