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NTAA win on Whole of Practice Lodgment Program

Members may recall that in the May edition of Voice we indicated that we had approached the Commissioner of Taxation and given him a "red Tape" document containing our "gripes" about dealing with the ATO. First cab off the rank was what a member had called "whole of practice lodgment program".

Our specific point was that the lodgment program includes all individual, partnership, superannuation, trust and company income tax returns, but does not include other client reporting requirements such as GST/BAS/IAS returns, FBT Returns, etc.

Well, we are pleased to report that we have received a very quick response to that initiative and the ATO has advised that it will look at implementing a whole of practice lodgment program including giving "credits" for back year returns.

The lodgment program for 2006 returns (i.e., the program covering the 2006/07 year) has now been released by the Taxation Office and although it has the same structure as in prior years, it is presented with a different format that shows all lodgment obligations of tax agents.

In addition, the lodgment program for 2007 returns (i.e., for 2007/08) will be re-designed with the ATO undertaking a study into ALL lodgments tax agents must complete with government departments. That is, the 2007/08 program will try to fit in with the working year of the tax agent. Hopefully, this will allow tax agents to smooth their work-flows during a year and reduce some double handling. The NTAA will be involved in the negotiations that will take place between July 2006 and February 2007.

As we will take an active role in the negotiations for the re-design of the 2007/08 lodgment program, we need your practical input for these negotiations. Let us know of the demands of other government agencies that you experience. Tell us what work-flow bottle necks your practice experiences. Send your emails to tax.admin@ntaa.com.au.

We really hope that this is a great leap forward for all tax agents and must commend Michael D'Ascenzo for grabbing the bull by the horns so decisively.