The Taxpayers' Charter: A case study in tax administration

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Author(s)
James, Simon
Murphy, Kristina
Reinhart, Monika
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2004
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The Australian Taxpayers' Charter was introduced in 1997 and a
revised version in November 2003. This is therefore an appropriate time to
review the contribution of this initiative. This article traces the development
of such modern charters and then specifically the development of tax
charters. The Australian Taxpayers' Charter and the Australian Tax
Office's (“ATO”) experience with it are then examined. Among other
possible advantages, the Charter may be used as a measure of the ATO's
performance. Taxpayers' views regarding the extent to which the ATO
meets its obligations under the Taxpayers' Charter, as expressed in ...
View more >The Australian Taxpayers' Charter was introduced in 1997 and a revised version in November 2003. This is therefore an appropriate time to review the contribution of this initiative. This article traces the development of such modern charters and then specifically the development of tax charters. The Australian Taxpayers' Charter and the Australian Tax Office's (“ATO”) experience with it are then examined. Among other possible advantages, the Charter may be used as a measure of the ATO's performance. Taxpayers' views regarding the extent to which the ATO meets its obligations under the Taxpayers' Charter, as expressed in two surveys of Australian voters (N = 2,040 and 2,374), are presented. Generally the taxpayers are supportive. The results of the survey also support the ATO's view that the Charter fits in with compliance policy. Finally, the Charter demonstrates how initiatives in tax administration might he successfully achieved.
View less >
View more >The Australian Taxpayers' Charter was introduced in 1997 and a revised version in November 2003. This is therefore an appropriate time to review the contribution of this initiative. This article traces the development of such modern charters and then specifically the development of tax charters. The Australian Taxpayers' Charter and the Australian Tax Office's (“ATO”) experience with it are then examined. Among other possible advantages, the Charter may be used as a measure of the ATO's performance. Taxpayers' views regarding the extent to which the ATO meets its obligations under the Taxpayers' Charter, as expressed in two surveys of Australian voters (N = 2,040 and 2,374), are presented. Generally the taxpayers are supportive. The results of the survey also support the ATO's view that the Charter fits in with compliance policy. Finally, the Charter demonstrates how initiatives in tax administration might he successfully achieved.
View less >
Journal Title
Journal of Australian Taxation
Volume
7
Copyright Statement
© 2004 Journal of Australian Taxation. The attached file is reproduced here in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. Please refer to the journal's website for access to the definitive, published version.
Subject
Public Economics- Taxation and Revenue
Law and Society
Accounting, Auditing and Accountability
Law