Sydney, Oct 14: The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has seen a sharp rise in reports of tax avoidance and dishonest practices, with 250,000 tip-offs received since July 2019.
Over 47,000 reports were made in the 2023–24 financial year alone, reflecting strong public resolve against tax evasion.
ATO Assistant Commissioner Tony Goding stressed that Australians are increasingly fed up with behavior that undermines fair competition and vital services.
“Cheating tax is not on; it is stealing money needed for essential community services we all rely on,” he said.
The ATO estimates that tax avoidance costs around $16 billion annually, with industries such as building, cafes, and hairdressing frequently reported.
New South Wales led with 15,516 tip-offs, while Queensland had the highest number from regional areas, including Southport and Bundaberg.
Community engagement is now a key asset in tackling the shadow economy.
The ATO receives nearly 1,000 tip-offs weekly, with 90 per cent deemed suitable for further investigation, sometimes revealing significant tax evasion cases.
The ATO encourages anonymous tip-offs, noting that even small reports can lead to substantial investigations.
Businesses are urged to consult tax professionals or the ATO to correct their practices.
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