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2h ago

ATO Tops 300,000 Public Tip-Offs as Shadow-Economy Crackdown Intensifies

Most recent reports are being advanced for investigation by specialised teams working with the ATO-led Shadow Economy Taskforce.

The Australian Tax Office says there have been more than 300,000 tip-offs since it launched its whistleblower service six years ago.

Overview

  • Australians lodged nearly 50,000 tip-offs in 2024–25, averaging about 1,000 reports each week.
  • About 85% of analysed tip-offs last financial year were deemed suitable for further investigation after ATO cross-checks.
  • Tip-offs often come from customers, employees, other businesses and even family or friends, with spikes in building and construction, hospitality, and hair and beauty services.
  • New South Wales recorded 15,907 tip-offs in 2024–25, ahead of Victoria with 11,890 and Queensland with 10,630, with regional hotspots led by Newcastle, Robina, the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Townsville and Toowoomba.
  • The ATO links most reports to shadow-economy activity that drains billions in tax revenue, warning offenders face penalties, interest on unpaid tax and possible criminal sanctions.