Client advocacy for ATO audits

The issue

We were with this client through a seven-year tax office audit. At stake was tens of millions of dollars, the interpretation of a fundamental fabric of our tax laws and the survival of a prominent part of our sporting industry impacting our economy and society.

The journey

We were an integral member of a working team that saw a seven-year tax audit into one of our clients that not only affected them but also a prominent segment of our sporting industry. At stake was tens of millions of dollars for our client, a fundamental fabric of our tax laws and the potential existence of a passionate sport followed by many and, therefore, part of our economy. Our role was to formulate strategies and positions, collate and provide information, work in collaboration with various legal teams and respond to ATO queries and positions over this period which, whilst we felt the client was not going to lose the situation, it was never guaranteed. 

We worked together with the client, their finance team and their lawyers throughout the seven-year period to ensure the message of our fight was never lost. This required patience, perseverance and guidance to stick to the game plan and never give up! Further, providing support, insights and being persistent with protecting our client’s best interests lead to an overarching aim to an important social matter.  

The emotion

The client never thought they were going to lose the case and was frustrated and angry that the ATO would not let go of the matter. They, and the rest of the team, was ecstatic when the ATO finally gave in. This win not only saved our client tens of millions of dollars, but we played an important role in safeguarding a fundamental fabric of our tax laws for business owners which meant a part of our economy and love of this sport could continue in its present state.

The outcome

Faced with a battle with the ATO, and affecting a prominent part of our sporting industry, we assisted with a seven-year tax office audit with a positive outcome not only saving our client tens of millions of dollars but also protecting some of our fundamental fabrics of our tax laws which impact our economy and society.