Aussie taxman plays down powers fears

The Aussie taxman has refuted claims it has been given excessive powers which allow the agency to break into homes and places of work to seize documents.

The Australian Tax Office responded to media reports that Commonwealth Ombudsman John McMillan had given its access powers a tick of approval after an investigation on ATO co-ordinated raids on homes, cars and workplaces in four states.

ATO Tax Commissioner Michael D'Ascenzo said the ATO’s powers had been in place for "30 to 40 years".

"When you're looking at criminal investigations, if someone's not going to be forthcoming with the documentation you've asked for, you've got legal powers to [enter premises]," the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Mr D’Ascenzo said. "We're talking here criminal or fraudulent or evasive practices ... there are still large businesses that believe in the hide and seek approach to working with the tax administration."

Further reading:

Appeals shoot up 14% after HMRC powers beef-up