Media release: 14 October 1999
TAX FILE NUMBERS INQUIRY UNEARTHS NEW SOURCES OF TAX FRAUD
The House Economics Committee has received a number of submissions from
the community, which uncover major examples of alleged tax file number
misuse and abuse.
The community response so far has highlighted weaknesses in the TFN
system such as:
- The duplication of TFN's - the National Audit Office found nearly
200,000 duplicate TFNs;
- The allocation of additional TFNs for individuals. There are 3.2 million
more tax file numbers in Australia than people;
- Weaknesses in the administration of TFN issuing, which has led to
Proof of Identity fraud;
- The use of TFNs to unlawfully gain government benefits;
- The fraudulent use of TFNs previously allocated to temporary residents
and foreign students to launder money; and
- Ease of changing residency status on the TFN application form under
tax 'self-assessment' and avoid paying tax due at non-resident rates.
Mr Hawker also said that the Committee is very keen to ensure that the inquiry
works to improve the administration of TFNs for those individuals that comply
with their taxation obligations and expose those that try to cheat the system.
'The committee is now receiving submissions from interested organisations
and individuals for this inquiry', said Mr Hawker and, 'We encourage people
to have their say.'
Copies of submissions already received are available from the Committee
secretariat on (02) 6277 4584.
Ends // 14 October 1999
Further information: David Hawker MP (Chairman) 03 - 5572 1100 (elec)
02 - 6277 4100 (parl)
Beverley Forbes (Secretary) 02 - 6277 4587
Email: EFPA.Reps@aph.gov.au
Committee Membership 39th Parliament
Chairman: Mr David Hawker MP
Deputy Chairman: Mr Gregory Wilton MP
Members:
Mr Anthony Albanese MP
Ms Anna Burke MP
Ms Teresa Gambaro MP
Mrs Kay Hull MP
Mr Mark Latham MP
Mr Christopher Pyne MP
Hon Alex Somlyay MP
Dr Andrew Southcott MP
|
