ATO and EBAY

[ozbox]

this was sent to me and is NOT a scam...i am glad that i declared all my sales as i am a business but pity the people that didnt...

[ozbox]

ATO's data matching program focusing on online selling sites



29 June 2010


Media release 2010/21

The ATO is launching a data matching program focusing on individuals and businesses who have sold more than $20,000 in goods and services on the online selling sites, eBay and The Trading Post in any of the last three financial years.

If you are running a business through online selling sites, or you have an existing business and are making additional sales through these sites, then you need to include this income in your activity statement and/or tax return.

The data match will detect businesses that are under reporting or not reporting income generated from these sources.

Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo is encouraging anyone who may have understated their taxable income in the last three years to make a voluntary disclosure.

“If you do so you will be treated fairly and benefit where applicable from significantly lower penalties. You can make a voluntary disclosure on this or any other matter by writing to the ATO – more details are available on the ATO website,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.

Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo said the data matching program helps to ensure that there is a level playing field so that businesses doing the right thing are not disadvantaged.

“The online data matching program is part of the ATO’s focus on encouraging high levels of voluntary compliance and addressing the issues raised by non-compliant behaviour,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.

“Data matching allows information from a variety of sources to be brought together and compiled, identifying individuals and businesses that are avoiding their tax obligations.

“Records will be matched against different identifiers such as tax file numbers, ABN’s, addresses and date of births which will improve the integrity of our data matching program.

“When information obtained from data matching is used in an audit or review, people will be given the opportunity to confirm or contradict the information found from the data matching.”

All the data collected is in accordance with the Federal Privacy Commissioner’s guidelines on data matching in Commonwealth administration, with taxpayers confidentiality protected at all times.

Do you have undeclared income?

To report any undeclared income individuals can:

* Make a voluntary disclosure in writing, electronically or by phone. There are also other methods available in specific circumstances. More information is available on the ATO website.
* Lodge an amended tax assessment by completing the Request for amendment of income tax return for individuals which is available from the ATO website, www.ato.gov.au

If you need to lodge a revised activity statement you can call the ATO on 13 28 66 to obtain a revised activity statement form. If you are a registered user revised activity statements are also available from the Business Portal.

Background

The ATO matches information in tax returns with over 500 million items of third party data. Voluntary disclosure entitles taxpayers to an 80 percent reduction in penalties that would otherwise apply.

If you are unsure whether you are operating a business search for ‘Small business support - overview’ on the ATO website at www.ato.gov.au

Last Modified: Thursday, 29 July 2010

[ozbox]

i like the last phrase about the 80 per cent reduction in fines if you dob yourself in...:lol:

[stickthis]

Goes to show its not worth trying to screw the system =).

[abncraig]

the fact that they want your bank account details?? I'd be suspicious can't see the ato asking for them online

[ozbox]

the fact that they want your bank account details?? I'd be suspicious can't see the ato asking for them online

na its actually ebay that has to supply all that info to the ato...i got the email and then went to ebay and logged in to make sure its not a scam..
then i went to the ato website and sussed out there media releases...

so basically its ebay just telling me that they have supplied all that info to the ato already...

BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU....

[Gaddy]

There was an article in todays Daily Telegraph (Syd) That outlined this matter.
The ATO does not like to miss out guys!!
Since Kevin spent all our Life savings, they are looking for revenue from anywhere they can get it!!
Thanx Kev!!:hiney::twisted: