ATO (Australian Taxation Office)
The government agency responsible for administering Australia's tax and superannuation systems.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is the principal revenue collection agency of the Australian Government. It administers income tax, GST, superannuation, excise duties, and a range of other federal taxes and programs. The ATO also manages the Australian Business Register (ABR) and issues Tax File Numbers (TFNs) and Australian Business Numbers (ABNs).
The ATO provides online services through myGov, including myTax for individual tax returns, the ATO app for managing tax affairs on mobile devices, and the Business Portal for business-related obligations. It also publishes rulings, guidelines, and calculators to help taxpayers understand their obligations.
If you have a tax dispute, the ATO offers internal review processes before you escalate to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) or Federal Court. The ATO's website (ato.gov.au) is the authoritative source for current tax rates, thresholds, and legislative changes.
Related Terms
Tax File Number (TFN)
A unique 9-digit number issued by the ATO to identify individuals and organisations for tax purposes.
Australian Business Number (ABN)
A unique 11-digit number identifying a business entity to government and the community.
Tax Return
An annual form lodged with the ATO reporting your income, deductions, and tax payable or refundable for the financial year.
myTax
The ATO's free online tool for individuals to prepare and lodge their own tax return through myGov.
Business Activity Statement (BAS)
A form lodged with the ATO to report and pay GST, PAYG withholding, PAYG instalments, and other business tax obligations.