he ATO provides tailored technical assistance in some circumstances, which can be provided either orally or in writing, depending on the nature and complexity of each query.
A taxpayer or their adviser may need to seek tailored technical assistance if:
they’re not able to find the ATO view of how a tax law applies to a particular technical issuethey’re not certain how the ATO’s view of the law applies to your client’s (or even your own) circumstancesyou or your client feel that there is a need for greater certainty (that is, protection) than the ATO’s published products provide.
Contacting the ATO by phone For information about general, straight forward and simple issues, there are different telephone numbers to use depending on the identity of the caller.
If you are a tax agent seeking oral guidance, phone the ATO on 13 72 86. You will be required to have your registered agent number (RAN) and proof of identity may also be needed.
One very handy tool available for tax agents is a list of “fast key codes”. These allow you to key ahead to the option of your choice without listening to the whole menu. Fast key codes are available under different categories, as listed below:
Account information for business clientsAccount information for personal clientsActivity statementsDebt and paymentLodgmentPractice administrationRegistrationTax law and adviceLetters – alternative phone service
Otherwise, the following are the other numbers available, depending if you are:
an individual taxpayer, phone 13 28 61a business taxpayer, phone 13 28 66an individual, employer or you run a super fund and it’s a superannuation matter, phone the ATO on 13 10 20a legal personal representative (but not a registered tax or BAS agent), phone 13 72 86.
Note that if you phone on someone else’s behalf, the ATO is required to ensure you have their permission, and it will use proof of identity procedures to confirm that you are an authorised contact.
Contact the ATO in writing If the issue is about a general understanding of the law and you are the taxpayer affected, write to the ATO at: Australian Taxation Office, GPO Box 9990, [insert the name and postcode of your capital city]. You will need to ensure that you clearly identify yourself and include your contact details and signature.
There may however be a better way to direct an inquiry, depending on what the issue is. The ATO has provided the following contact details for:
Complex transactionsParticular circumstances of a specific entityNumber of entities with similar transactionsParticular arrangement for a class of peopleAdministratively binding adviceSelf-managed super funds.
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