Extortionist OZschwitz ATO attacks truckies and sparkies

TRUCK drivers, sales reps and electricians have been warned by the Tax Office that their income tax returns will be targeted for extra scrutiny this year.

An updated computer system will also allow the ATO to clamp down on sales and marketing managers and company executives who try to fiddle their expenses for cars, travel and home offices as well as mobile phones and internet charges.

But as it gears up for a new tax season, the ATO is acknowledging 2009 has put added strains on many taxpayers. This year it will send out about 600,000 letters to taxpayers to persuade them to own up to rorts and work with the Tax Office rather than evade paying their share.

One of the chief means for scrutinising claims involves data matching, said Frank Brass, a spokesman for the tax accountants H&R Block. Workers in the targeted occupations, whose claims far exceed those of their peers, can expect to receive letters alerting them to possible aberrations in their returns.

Maree Hamilton, of Tax & Business Planning, said at a recent seminar for accountants the ATO indicated low-income families could be flagged for checks if their living expenses were dramatically at odds with their income.

But she believes the Tax Office will be mindful of the financial meltdown's effect on many families.

Adrian Raftery, chief executive of accountantsRussaid the ATO's computer systems have been improved. "They're definitely going to get a lot more targeted and they've got the ability to do so," he said.

LNK

Extortionist OZschwitz ATO attacks truckies and sparkies

Extortionist OZschwitz ATO attacks truckies and sparkies

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