Recent trends indicate a heightened focus by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on issuing Director Penalty Notices (DPNs), particularly targeting directors deemed to possess assets capable of meeting these penalties. According to insights from Worrells, an insolvency and turnaround firm, the ATO is leveraging its data-matching tools to identify directors who also declare investment income, such as property holdings.
Jeremy Mudford, Manager at Worrells Western Sydney, underscores this shift, noting that the ATO is strategically issuing DPNs to individuals with the means to fulfill them. This tactic aims to hold directors personally accountable for their company’s tax debts, effectively bypassing the corporate shield.
Mudford highlights the increasing prevalence of DPNs as an enforcement mechanism in the ATO’s pursuit of outstanding tax debts from small businesses. In the first half of 2024 alone, approximately 30,000 DPNs have been issued, signaling a significant escalation in enforcement actions.
Moreover, the ATO is directing attention towards specific groups for DPN enforcement. Mudford identifies two key areas of focus: incentivizing disengaged taxpayers to reengage with the ATO and addressing unpaid superannuation obligations. The latter underscores the ATO’s stance that unpaid super is not the company’s funds but rightfully belongs to employees.
One critical aspect emphasized by Mudford is the importance of maintaining up-to-date contact information. He recounts instances where DPNs were sent to outdated addresses, potentially causing delays in response times. Directors are reminded that they have a mere 21 days from the DPN issuance to respond, underscoring the urgency of timely action.
Despite the stringent timelines, Mudford advises against ignoring DPNs, urging business owners to engage proactively with the ATO. He notes the ATO’s willingness to negotiate and resolve tax debts but warns that non-engagement may lead to escalated enforcement measures.
In conclusion, the evolving landscape surrounding DPNs necessitates directors’ vigilance in addressing tax obligations and maintaining accurate contact details to navigate potential enforcement actions effectively.