Submission to: ATO
Submission from the Small Business Debt Helpline/FCA confirming the ongoing benefits of the National Tax Clinic program both for individuals and small businesses. The ability for financial counsellors to refer their clients to the Tax Clinics can play a key role in helping people get back on top financially. The Tax Clinics need to prioritise providing advice by tax agents as well as advocating for people in vulnerable circumstances. Unfortunately the ATO does not have a vulnerability framework. Many small business and individual financial counselling clients are vulnerable e.g. affected by family violence, at risk of losing their homes or businesses. Our submission also supports adopting a tax practitioner model, more consistent service offerings by the Tax Clinics and greater availability.
