Foreword

Date

SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY

LANGTON CRESCENT

PARKES ACT 2600

Telephone: (02) 6263 2111

Facsimile: (02) 6273 2614

www.treasury.gov.au

 

I am pleased to present Treasury’s final report of the Review of Aspects of Income Tax Self Assessment.

Adoption of the report’s recommendations would improve significantly taxpayers’ experience of the self assessing aspects of the tax system while preserving the capacity of the Tax Office to collect legitimate income tax liabilities.

The recommendations in this report improve taxpayer certainty through a better framework for Tax Office advice, reduce exposure to the risk of increased liabilities, and mitigate penalty and interest consequences of errors made by taxpayers who act in good faith. The recommendations will also provide for future improvements through better policy processes, law design and administration.

Consultation with interested parties has played a central role in the Review, and I take this opportunity to express my gratitude for this valuable assistance.

I commend the report to the Government.

[SIGNED]

Ken Henry

Secretary to the Treasury

August 2004