Insight: Connie’s story ‒ a tax professional’s perspective

As a tax professional I continually face confronting and challenging scenarios that I do not experience in practice. It requires continually liaising with the ATO and an awareness that the students may be adversely affected by the delicate matters that present. Additionally, the challenge lies in working in the ATO system and achieving outcomes outside normal practice to ensure the wellbeing of the taxpayer, is paramount. The time required to achieve a satisfactory result varies from hours to literally 9 months before a resolution is found. As a tax professional I work with student interns to provide services to the NTCP clients. The services provided include assisting with income tax returns and business activity statement preparation, liaising with the ATO regarding debt waivers and deferrals, objections, setting up MyGov accounts and linking MyTax. We inform and empower the clients by explaining the tax system in the process of providing services and clarifying their rights, responsibilities, and options, taking away previous fear and apprehension. To further help clients leave with a clearer grasp of taxation, fostering a sense of confidence in their own tax knowledge.