ATO trialling “certainty letters”

The ATO says that it is trialling “certainty letters” in a pilot program. The letters are being sent to some taxpayers to confirm that their 2014-15 tax returns are finalised, namely “to acknowledge and provide certainty to taxpayers who meet their obligations and do the right thing”.

According to the ATO, receiving this letter means that it has completed its routine information checks on the taxpayer’s return and it is satisfied with the information provided. It will not be conducting any further review or audit of the return.
However, if the ATO becomes aware of additional information that indicates deliberate avoidance of tax due to fraud or evasion then the ATO will advise the taxpayer that the certainty letter no longer applies and outline the reasons why they are now subject to a review or audit.
Further, receipt of the letter does not mean that a taxpayer cannot seek an amendment of the return or assessment.