CANBERRA (CU)_The Australian Parliament’s standing committee on tax on revenue recommended a host of changes to taxation practices followed by the principal revenue collection body of the country. In a report that was published on Tuesday (26 October), the committee, led by chairman and Liberal MP Jason Falinski, called for the creation of a taxpayer bill of rights, which would be aimed at protecting businesses and workers against the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), a powerful government agency.
It also recommended the incorporation of several elements which have been observed in the system of the United States, such as redefining the role of the Inspector General of Taxation as a taxpayer advocate. One of the key endorsements made by the committee is reforming legislation in such a manner that taxpayers are given the same protections enjoyed by all other citizens when dealing with debts. This would mean that the onus of proof would lie on the ATO, and that it is not payable until it has been proved.
“The aim of these changes has been to deliver…
