‘My ex-wife burnt my tax files’

The dog might have a taste for your homework, but it’s remarkable how many things get in the way of lodging your tax return, writes

FROM jailed accountants to rare medical conditions and arsonist ex-spouses, the ATO has heard some cracking excuses from Aussies who failed to lodge their tax returns on time.

Now, with less than one month left to lodge 2016-17 returns before the deadline of October 31, the ATO has released a list of the six boldest excuses officers have received in recent years.

“My paperwork flew out the car window when I was on my way to see the accountant,” read one, while another claimed “I have a condition that only allows me to work 30 minutes each week, so I couldn’t lodge.”

Sometimes, it was other people who were deemed to be at fault.

“My ex-wife burnt everything belonging to me, including all of my tax records,” one late lodger claimed.

“My accountant has gone to prison,” said another, explaining “he is working on it, but it’s taking longer than normal because he can’t access a computer.”

One chronologically confused Aussie claimed he had failed to lodge returns between 2008 and 2015 due to a back injury he sustained in 2016.

One particularly brazen taxpayer blamed the recent death of his father as an excuse for not lodging his return, which doesn’t sound unreasonable until it was discovered that he had used the same excuse in a previous year.

ATO assistant commissioner Kath Anderson said some Australians put off lodging, believing they will owe money, but that this only makes matters worse.

“They don’t realise that the payment will be due on November 21 regardless of when they lodge,” Ms Anderson said. “We have ways to help you if you think you may have difficulties paying your tax debt, but you still need to lodge on time.”

Those lacking motivation should know that lodging is now easier than ever, thanks to online options and apps.

“We use sophisticated datamatching technology to pre-fill most information into returns, including things like wages, bank interest and dividends,” Ms Anderson said.

“With the majority of pre-fill information available, most of the hard work is already done and it’s even easier if you have been recording your deductions using myDeductions on the ATO app.

“In most cases, you or your registered agent only need to double-check the pre-filled information, include any workrelated expenses and click submit.”

While registered agents can lodge a client’s return after the October deadline, that client still has to have been on the books of the agent before that date.

If mistakes are made, or debts accumulated, it is important not to panic, but rather to be honest.

“We have ways to help you if you think you may have difficulties paying your tax debt, but you still need to lodge on time,” Ms Anderson said.

“If you need assistance, it’s important that you contact us early and we’ll work with you to tailor a payment plan to your circumstances. Depending on your situation, you may even be able to set up a payment plan online.”