Other organisations that can help you

For taxpayers

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If you are unsure we can help you, there are other organisations that can.

If we are unable to resolve your issues, we have provided a list of alternative government, non-for-profit and private sector agencies and service providers that may be able to help. 

Tax and legal assistance

  • Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has tools and services to make it easier to get your tax and superannuation right. The ATO also provide support during crisis events and difficult times. If you experience financial hardship and are struggling to meet tax obligations, contact the ATO as soon as possible. 
  • Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) maintains a register of tax practitioners who are allowed to prepare or lodge your tax returns, notices or statements, or to provide you with tax advice. 
  • ASBFEO’s Tax Concierge Service can help small business navigate the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) process. If you think you have suffered financial loss due to the action of the ATO, they can also help you to navigate the Compensation for Detriment caused by Defective Administration (CDDA) scheme. 
  • Justice Connect has close connections with over 10,000 lawyers through their network of pro bono member firms so that people facing legal problems can get the help they need. 
  • National Tax Clinic program is a government-funded initiative to help people who may not be able to afford professional advice and representation with their tax affairs. 

Support for victim of tax identity or financial fraud 

We advise you to call the ATO’s Client Identity Support Centre on 1800 467 033 if you know or suspect that someone has stolen your tax file number or is using your tax-related information illegally. More information can be found on the ATO’s website Help for identity theft. 

Additional resources to help you recognise and report scams:  

  • ID Care supports individuals impacted by data breaches.  
  • Scamwatch collect scam reports and coordinate action to combat scams. They also produce material to educate people to spot and avoid scams. 
  • Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) leads the Australian Government’s efforts to improve cyber security and help to make Australia the most secure place to connect online. 

Other government agencies

Courts and tribunals

If you believe that the amount raised as a tax debt is incorrect, you may challenge the decision by lodging an objection with the ATO. Information on how to object is available on the ATO’s website. 

If you are not happy with the ATO’s objection decision, you may appeal the decision to the Administrative Review Tribunal or the Federal Court of Australia. 

You should seek your own independent legal or tax advice if you need help in these matters. 

  • Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) reviews decisions made by Australian Government agencies, departments, and ministers. They can review a range of decisions made by the Commissioner of Taxation under the taxation law that relate to small business entities. If you are not a small business entity, you can still apply for review of most taxation decisions through their website Taxation | Administrative Review Tribunal. 
  • Federal Court of Australia handles tax appeals under Part IVC of the Taxation Administration Act 1953. It reviews decisions by the Commissioner of Taxation, questions of law and taxation on appeal from the Administrative Review Tribunal, and any other  tax dispute. 

Ombudsman and dispute resolution bodies

State and Territory-based Ombudsman service

State-based Ombudsman can generally assist with handling complaints about state/territory government agencies, local councils, as well as some community services for children, young people and families. 

Support in financial difficulties

  • National Debt Helpline can direct you to a financial counsellor who can provide you with personalised financial advice. 
  • Small Business Debt Helpline provides free financial counselling support for small business owners and sole traders experiencing financial hardship. 
  • Wesley Financial Counselling Services provide free, independent and confidential counselling to assist people experiencing financial difficulty. 
  • Services Australia offers help in an emergency. In the event of extreme circumstances resulting in severe hardship, individuals can access a one-off non-taxable crisis payment. 
  • Ask Izzy connects people in need with support services such as housing, meals, counselling, financial assistance, domestic and family violence and more. 

Support for victim of family and domestic violence

Any behaviour that’s violent, threatening, controlling or intended to make you or your family feel scared and unsafe can be considered family and domestic violence. 

Rural and natural disasters support

  • The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry offers drought and rural support for farmers and communities. 
  • Services Australia offers a Farm Household Allowance payment to farming families in financial hardship. 
  • The National Emergency Management Agency helps Australians who have been affected by natural disasters, including floods, bushfires and drought. 
  • Disaster Assist offers disaster recovery funding arrangements. This includes the Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance. 

Mental health resources

  • Lifeline are a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. 
  • Beyond Blue is a national organisation that provides free and confidential mental health support, information and resources for Australians. 
  • MindSpot provides free, digital mental health services to adults across Australia including a free and confidential online assessment tool that can be used to learn more about the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and access clinically proven treatment options.