ATO correspondence can look similar while creating very different consequences. Identify the type, taxpayer, period, amount and deadline before responding.
This service is the front door when you know the ATO contacted you but do not yet know which specialist pathway you need.
How we can help
Classify the ATO letter
Treat an information request, assessment and debt notice differently.
- Verify it is genuine.
- Record reference details.
- Identify review rights.
Find every deadline and amount
A short letter can contain several important dates and figures.
- Record response dates.
- Check objection deadlines.
- List periods and amounts.
Verify facts before responding
Compare the notice with returns, accounts and source documents.
- Check bank records.
- Identify data mismatches.
- Prepare a chronology.
Move to the right service
Transfer the matter into the review, objection, penalty, debt or DPN workflow.
- Preserve the document.
- Protect the deadline.
- Use the approved channel.
A clear process from consultation to action
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1
Initial consultation
We discuss the complete notice, source, issue, amount and deadline during the paid consultation.
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2
Check the source facts
If further work is engaged, the notice is compared with returns, accounts and records.
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3
Assess urgency and risk
We identify effects on tax, refunds, penalties, recovery action or review rights.
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4
Move to the right pathway
The response is prepared or the matter moves into a specialist service.
What to have ready
- The complete letter or notice.
- Envelope, email or myGov details.
- Date received and deadlines.
- Connected return or account.
- Supporting source documents.
- Your short explanation.
Received a Letter From the ATO? What to Do First
Read how to verify correspondence, identify the issue and deadline, organise documents and choose the next service.
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
What should I do first?
Read every page, identify deadlines, verify the communication and gather relevant records.
Are all ATO letters the same?
No. They can concern reviews, assessments, penalties, debt, lodgments or routine account matters.
Should I reply immediately?
Act promptly but avoid a rushed response. First identify the issue, deadline and requested documents.
How can you help?
We identify the action, period, amount, deadline, review rights and appropriate next pathway.
What if the deadline is close?
Record it and seek help promptly. Do not assume it has changed unless the ATO confirms that.