The ATO is warning taxpayers about GST fraud and to be on the lookout for dodgy online ads, often on social media platforms, promising easy GST refunds.
The ATO recently issued a media release about large-scale GST fraud attempts exceeding $850 million, that involve customers setting up an ABN without operating a business, and then submitting fictitious BAS statements to get a GST refund.
The ATO said it has already successfully stopped $770 million in attempted fraud before payment.
“The people who are involved in these activities aren’t accidentally ticking a box on an online form. They’re signing to say that they’ve set up an ABN for a business that doesn’t exist, then lodging a BAS with false information on it, to receive GST refunds that they are not entitled to,” the ATO said.
Taxpayers who think they’ve been involved in this arrangement are urged to let the ATO know (before the ATO contacts them) by calling 1300 130 017.
Confidential reports of suspected tax evasion or crime can be made online (visit ato.gov.au/tipoff) or by calling the ATO’s Tax Integrity Centre on 1800 060 062.
Please contact our team on 03 9708 8801 or email info@rvpartners.com.au if you have any questions or have concerns about GST arrangements.
Please Note: Many of the comments in this publication are general in nature and anyone intending to apply the information to practical circumstances should seek professional advice to independently verify their interpretation and the information’s applicability to their particular circumstances. The information contained within this document is of a general nature only and neither represents nor is intended to be personal advice on any particular matter. Robinson Voss Partners (RV Partners) strongly suggests that no person should act specifically on the basis of the information in this document, but should obtain appropriate professional advice based on their own personal circumstances.
