ATO looks at high net worths


The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has over 260 audits under way directed at private groups and wealthy Australians, including high net worth individuals, according to the Tax Commissioner, Chris Jordan.
Addressing the Tax Institute, Jordan said the ATO’s work on private groups and wealthy Australians including high wealth individuals (HWI), trusts and promoters was continuing with over 260 audits under way.
“This work has raised almost $550 million in direct liabilities with nearly $290 million in cash collections so far this year,” he said.
Jordan said the ATO’s ‘Top 320’ Private Groups Tax Performance Program was progressing strongly with one-to-one intensive engagements under way or complete with 156 of the 320 private groups with an excess of $860 million of tax assured to date “and full coverage of this population is expected by the end of the financial year”.
Recommended for you
The Reserve Bank of Australia has delivered its first rate decision since the introduction of a new board structure last month.
ASIC was active in the first quarter of 2025 with several financial adviser bannings and court action, while the FSCP also handed down outcomes to advisers.
With a joint venture announced between WT Financial and Merchant Wealth Partners, the firm may have a US background, but partner David Haintz has a long history with Australian financial advice.
The big four bank is set to see $40 million per annum in cost savings as it continues to migrate customers from its Asgard wealth platform to BT Panorama by FY26.