45: ATO Audits? Don’t Panic! Here’s What To Do

Got a letter from the ATO? Don’t panic — learn exactly what to do (and not do) when the Tax Office comes knocking.

Today’s episode dives into the often nerve-wracking world of ATO audits and reviews. Sally is joined by David Hughes, a seasoned tax law specialist and partner at McCullough Robertson Lawyers. 

David isn’t your average tax lawyer — he’s got years of experience turning daunting ATO encounters into manageable processes. He shares compelling stories of tax mishaps, from ignoring ATO letters to facing million-dollar assessments, and offers expert advice on how to handle each stage of an ATO review. 

We’ll explore what those colour-coded ATO letters mean, the importance of not panicking, and why seeking help early could save you a fortune. 

If you've ever wondered what to do when the ATO starts asking questions, this episode is your essential guide.

In this episode of Smarten Up! The Tax and Business Podcast, you'll learn:

• A cautionary tale of a young real estate agent overwhelmed by ATO letters and the consequences of ignoring them (00:50)
• How ATO letters escalate in urgency and why ignoring them is the worst thing you can do (02:31)
• The common “deer in the headlights” reaction to ATO audits and why curling up and hoping it’ll pass is never the answer (03:33)
• Why the ATO knows more than you think (04:15)
• How the ATO uses real-time data to cross-check your transactions and why keeping good records is crucial (07:42)
• The value of voluntary disclosure and why timing is everything (11:04)
• The importance of getting a second opinion, especially when facing complex ATO queries (14:17)
• What happens once the ATO has formed an official view (18:22)
• The costly impact of interest and penalties (20:22)
• The last resort: Appealing ATO decisions (26:46)
• The value of detailed record-keeping (30:55)
• Sally and David’s key takeaways (32:31)

This episode arms you with the knowledge and strategies to tackle ATO audits and reviews head-on. Remember, it’s free to open the letter — but the cost of ignoring it can be enormous. The right help at the right time can make all the difference! 

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