As we approach the 30th of June, we at Tax Stuff have started receiving calls and comments on our socials asking for the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) phone number or how to contact the ATO. Most of the time, we have found this is for two reasons: 1) a person is lodging a personal PAYG tax return on the ATO portal and has gotten stuck, or 2) a sole trader or business owner has fallen behind on their tax and is feeling overwhelmed and not sure how to begin the process of catching up. This has inspired me to write this blog as a guide for contacting the ATO.
Contacting the ATO can be daunting for some, and it needs to be stated upfront that you can avoid a lot of stress by partnering with a registered tax agent. Registered tax agents have a direct line to the ATO, are also trained in tax compliance, and will know most if not all, the answers to your questions.
However, if you prefer to handle these matters on your own, rest assured that the process can be straightforward with the right information and an understanding of the various communication channels available. This guide aims to provide a user-friendly overview of how to contact the ATO, including all relevant phone numbers and specific details, including the tax agents’ direct line to the ATO.
General Contact Methods
The ATO offers multiple contact methods to cater to different needs, including phone lines, online services, and email. Understanding which method to use can save you time and help you get your queries resolved quickly.
Phone Numbers for General Queries
For individual taxpayers, small businesses, and others not using a tax agent, the ATO provides several phone numbers:
· Individuals: For personal tax queries, you can call 13 28 61.
· Businesses: For general business tax enquiries, including GST, ABN, PAYG, and other business-related issues, the number to dial is 13 28 66.
· Superannuation: For superannuation queries, the contact number is 13 10 20.
· Debt and lodgement: For issues related to outstanding debts or lodgement obligations, you can contact 13 11 42.
· Overseas callers: If you are outside Australia, you can contact the ATO on +61 2 6216 1111.
· Hearing or speech impaired: For those who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact can be made through the National Relay Service (NRS) by dialling the appropriate NRS number and asking for the ATO number you need.
These lines are typically open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm local time, Monday to Friday.
Tax Agent Phone Services
Tax agents have a dedicated line, known as the tax agent phone service, which can be accessed by your registered tax agent. This service is designed to provide quicker and more specialised responses to registered agents. If you have a registered tax agent, they can use this number, so you don’t have to wait in a queue.
Online Services
The ATO highly encourages the use of online services for various tax-related processes, including lodging returns, checking balances, and updating details. These services are accessible 24/7, providing a convenient alternative to phone calls. The ATO’s online portal can be accessed at [www.ato.gov.au].
Email and Mail
For less urgent queries or when documentation needs to be submitted, emailing or mailing the ATO might be appropriate. Specific email addresses and postal addresses can be found on the ATO’s official website under the ‘Contact us’ section [www.ato.gov.au/about-ato/contact-us].
Tips for Efficient Communication
When contacting the ATO, having all necessary information at hand, such as tax file numbers, ABN, and previous correspondence, can help expedite the process. Also, calling during off-peak hours can result in shorter wait times.
Conclusion
By utilising the dedicated phone services and online resources, you can ensure that your tax-related queries and tasks are handled efficiently and accurately. Always keep your contact details up to date and maintain records of your interactions with the ATO for future reference.
Alternatively, you can contact Tax Stuff, and we will walk you through the process and do all the heavy lifting for you. Our offices are open 9 AM – 5 PM Monday to Friday # (02) 4319 4910 or fill out the >>[contact form]<< on our website.
