Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman (IGTO)
An independent office that handles complaints about the administration of Australia's tax system.
In this profile
- Explain the role of the Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman
- Describe the kinds of tax administration complaints it can examine
- Clarify who can complain and that it is free
- Connect tax debt concerns to its complaint role
- Refer readers to official channels for current details
7 min read
What it is
The Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman, often shortened to IGTO, is an independent office that handles complaints about the administration of Australia's tax system, including the conduct of the tax administration. It also undertakes reviews aimed at improving tax administration. It is independent of the bodies it examines.
The official website is where you can confirm the current scope, how to complain and contact options. We do not list a specific URL or phone number here because these can change. Please check the official website for current details.
What it handles
The IGTO deals with complaints about tax administration. This can include how a tax matter was handled, delays, communication, and the way a decision or action was carried out by the tax administration.
- Complaints about the administration of tax matters
- Concerns about delays, communication or process
- Systemic reviews to improve tax administration
It focuses on the fairness and conduct of tax administration rather than changing the underlying tax law, which is set by Parliament.
Who can use it
The complaints service is generally free and open to taxpayers and their representatives. It is usually best to try to resolve the matter with the tax administration first. If you are not satisfied with how a tax matter has been handled, you can approach the IGTO.
You do not need a lawyer to complain, though you may seek tax advice. For a broader directory of dispute and financial resources, see the Merion directory.
Relevance to debt & credit
A tax debt is a common worry for individuals and small businesses. The IGTO does not set or waive tax, but it can consider complaints about how the tax administration handled a matter, which may include the administration of a debt, a payment arrangement or related communication. If you owe tax, it is generally important to engage with the tax administration about payment options. Where you believe a matter was handled unfairly, the IGTO may be able to look at the conduct.
How to reach them
Current contact details and the complaint process are on the office's official website. Because details change, we do not reproduce them here. Please check the official website for current details before making a complaint.
Key takeaways
- The IGTO handles complaints about tax administration in Australia
- It examines fairness and conduct, not the underlying tax law
- Try to resolve with the tax administration first, then escalate
- Confirm scope and contact details on the office's official website
Frequently asked questions
What can the IGTO look at?
Complaints about the administration of tax matters, plus systemic reviews. It does not change the tax law itself. Check the official website for the current scope.
Is it free?
The complaints service is generally free. Confirm any conditions on the official website.
Can it cancel my tax debt?
No. It does not set or waive tax, but it can examine whether a tax matter, including a debt, was handled fairly. Engage with the tax administration about payment options.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Details can change — always confirm current contact details and processes on the organisation's official website.
Know who to turn to
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