ATO Warns Taxpayers To Protect Tax File Numbers

by Mary Swire, for LawAndTax-News.com, Hong Kong

06 March 2008

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has issued a new warning this week reminding taxpayers to keep their tax file number (TFN) as safe as they would a passport or bank account details.

Deputy Commissioner Michael Cranston explained that identity crime is a genuine threat, observing that TFNs can be used by perpetrators to commit fraud, not only against the Tax Office but also against other organisations and individuals.

“Identity crime is serious and can have a big impact on people caught up in it. In some instances this can take years to resolve,” Mr Cranston stated.

“People are increasingly being asked to provide their TFN when it isn’t needed and we have seen instances of bogus job advertisements on the internet and in newspapers that ask for all sorts of personal details including TFNs," he went on to add, continuing:

“It’s important to remember that only certain people can ask for your TFN, and these are most commonly the Tax Office, Centrelink, your super fund, your bank or financial institution and of course your employer, but only once you have started working for them."

“You should only provide your TFN once you have been engaged by an employer; you don’t have to provide it to potential employers."

“By keeping your TFN and personal details safe you lessen the chance they will be used as part of fraudulent and criminal activity," Cranston concluded.

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