Fed: Carmody guarantees no audits from tax hotline calls

AAP General News (Australia)
02-20-2000
Fed: Carmody guarantees no audits from tax hotline calls

CANBERRA, Feb 20 AAP - Tax Commissioner Michael Carmody today guaranteed that people
would not be audited using information they gave if they called the tax reform infoline.

Mr Carmody's personal guarantee follows reports alleging a connection between a call
to the Australian Tax Office infoline and an audit.

"We have investigated and not been able to substantiate this allegation," Mr Carmody
said in a statement.

"I am happy to have this case independently investigated by the Ombudsman. If he finds
any breach of this guarantee, we will immediately cease any action."

Call centre staff did not have access to detailed taxpayer information, so a link between
the call and the audit was extremely unlikely, Mr Carmody said.

"Callers have my personal guarantee that they will get help and advice and that information
will not be used to follow up on other matters," he said.

AAP mfh/pjs

KEYWORD: TAX CARMODY

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