Extra-statutory concession power for the Commissioner of Taxation discussion paper

Date:

Content ID:

Abstract:

The attached discussion paper explores whether the Commissioner of Taxation should have an extra-statutory concession power. Such a power would allow the Commissioner to modify tax laws to give relief to taxpayers in appropriate circumstances.

On 22 August 2008, the Assistant Treasurer released the report of the Tax Design Review Panel on how to reduce delays in introducing tax legislation and improve the quality of tax law changes. One of the Panel’s recommendations was that the Government consider whether the Commissioner of Taxation should be given further power to modify the tax law to give relief to taxpayers, or whether there were preferable ways in which the Commissioner could provide extra-statutory concessions in appropriate circumstances.

The Panel’s recommendation followed concerns expressed during consultation that the process of legislative amendments took too long to correct minor anomalies and unintended outcomes.

The community’s views are sought on whether there should be an extra-statutory concession power and, if so, what form the power should take and what limits there should be on its exercise.

While submissions may be lodged electronically, by post or facsimile, electronic lodgement is preferred. For accessibility reasons, please submit responses sent via email in a Word or RTF format. An additional PDF version may also be submitted.

All information (including name and address details) contained in submissions will be made available to the public on the Treasury website unless you indicate that you would like all or part of your submission to remain in confidence. Automatically generated confidentiality statements in emails do not suffice for this purpose. Respondents who would like part of their submission to remain in confidence should provide this information marked as such in a separate attachment. A request made under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Commonwealth) for a submission marked 'confidential' to be made available will be determined in accordance with that Act.

Closing date for submissions: Friday, 10 July 2009

Address written submissions to:
The General Manager
Tax Design Division
The Treasury
Langton Crescent
PARKES ACT 2600

Email: extrastatutoryconcessions@treasury.gov.au

For enquiries, please call Greg Pinder (02) 6263 3176 or John Burge on (02) 6263 3119

Documents Available:

 Acrobat (PDF)

 Microsoft Word (RTF)

Related Items: