Review: “Death and Taxes” – ATO systems and processes for dealing with deceased estates
Reviews and reports
Australia has operated a self-assessment system of taxation since 1986-1987. Under this system, the taxpayer is personally responsible for lodging a return with detailed information to calculate their taxable
income. Upon lodgement, an assessment is issued by the Commissioner of Taxation to an individual taxpayer which then triggers a limited period of review for the ATO. The self-assessment system has been supported since 1992 by a system of legally and administratively binding advice (private and public rulings and determinations) and non-binding guidance issued by the ATO to provide information to assist taxpayers meet their tax compliance obligations.
This investigation does not seek to address every compliance requirement that arises after a person dies. Rather, it seeks to identify opportunities to reduce the tax compliance burden and associated costs, as well as improve or simplify the tax administration arrangements on behalf of a deceased.