ATO Audit Lawyers

An ATO audit can be disruptive, stressful and financially draining. Without the right strategy and representation, it can quickly escalate into penalties, tax disputes or even litigation.

Our experienced ATO audit lawyers manage the process end-to-end – preparing evidence, responding to notices, negotiating with the ATO and challenging assessments where required. We act in audits involving income tax, CGT, GST, BAS, Division 7A, FBT, employment taxes, small business CGT concessions and tax fraud investigations.

We focus on minimising liability, protecting your rights and achieving practical outcomes that let you move forward with confidence.

What is an ATO audit?

An ATO audit is a formal review of your tax affairs. It can involve requests for records, interviews, site visits and detailed questioning about returns.

Unlike routine enquiries, an audit carries risk – penalties, interest charges or prosecution if issues are not handled properly.

The key is preparation. How you respond to the ATO often determines whether an audit is resolved quickly or escalates further.

What triggers an ATO audit?

The ATO often reviews businesses and individuals when it sees red flags – large or unusual refunds, property transactions, mismatches between BAS and income tax data, industry outliers, inconsistent contract treatments or repeated late lodgements.

If you are audited, we take the lead and prepare a clear position with evidence, agree scope and timelines and correct genuine errors strategically.

Where appropriate, we make voluntary disclosures to reduce penalties and negotiate practical outcomes that protect cash flow.

If escalation is required, we pursue objections or reviews while preserving privilege and keeping your affairs on track.

ATO Audit Representation for Individuals and Businesses

We represent clients in ATO audits, managing the process and defending their position at every stage. These are the ATO audit matters our lawyers most regularly assist clients to manage and resolve.

Income Tax

Disputes over deductions or unexplained income are common triggers. We frame a defensible position and present evidence clearly.

CGT

Property sales, business disposals, and concession claims attract attention. We confirm eligibility, prepare valuations, and defend positions in audits.

GST & BAS

The ATO frequently reviews GST claims, BAS reporting, and input tax credits. We align records, contracts, and invoices to withstand scrutiny.

Division 7A

Private company loans to shareholders and associates are a major ATO focus. We advise on Division 7A compliance, restructure arrangements, and defend positions during audit.

FBT

Car benefits, entertainment expenses, and allowances often draw ATO scrutiny. We review your FBT reporting, correct errors, and defend positions during an audit.

Tax Fraud

The ATO investigates suspected tax fraud where it believes income has been concealed, deductions fabricated or records falsified. We defend clients and protect rights throughout the process.

Small Business Concessions

Incorrect or inconsistent use of concessions is a frequent red flag. We review eligibility, prepare evidence, and secure defensible positions.

Employment Taxes

PAYG withholding, superannuation contributions, and employee vs contractor classifications are common audit areas. We advise on compliance and resolve disputes.

Record Keeping

Many audits start with poor or incomplete records. We reconstruct cost bases, prepare reconciliations, and supply the ATO with clear documentation.

Managing Audits, Protecting Futures

An ATO audit can put your financial security at risk. We manage the process, defend your position and protect what matters most.

Further Tax Solutions

Why seek representation for your ATO audit?

An ATO audit is not a routine check – it is an investigation that carries real risk. With legal representation, you protect your position, minimise liability and ensure the process is handled strategically from start to finish.

Audit Certainty

We identify what the ATO is examining and map the risks clearly, giving you confidence about where you stand and how best to respond.

Tax Compliance

We ensure your records, contracts, and reporting align with tax law and ATO requirements, reducing the chance of penalties or escalation.

Tax Protection

We manage all communications with the ATO, respond to notices, and defend your rights so you are not exposed unnecessarily.

Audit Resolution

We negotiate directly with the ATO, correct errors strategically, and pursue objections or reviews to secure fair, practical outcomes.

We’re here to defend your position

Whether you’re facing an ATO audit as an individual or a business, we step in early to protect your interests and keep the process under control.

Why choose us for your ATO audit?

When the ATO is investigating you, you need representation that is precise, practical, and timely — advice that protects your rights, manages risk and guides the audit toward a fair outcome.

Practical Strategies

We turn complex tax law into clear, actionable steps. By focusing on what matters to the ATO, we prepare responses that are relevant, defensible and effective in managing the audit.

Proven Results

We’ve reduced liabilities, secured penalty remissions and resolved disputes before they escalated. Our track record shows that the right strategy leads to successful outcomes.

Tailored Solutions

We take time to understand your situation, goals and risk profile, then shape our strategy and submissions to fit so your position is presented clearly and persuasively.

Cost Effective Approach

We scope issues upfront, focus on what matters, and keep drafting lean. With fixed fees available, you gain certainty on costs while still achieving comprehensive representation.

Client Testimonials

Before engaging Axe Legal, I was very anxious about how to effectively navigate a complex ATO audit. Boris & Stefan reviewed the details of my matter and set out, in easy to understand language, the requirements of the ATO guidelines. This allowed me to correctly collate the necessary supporting documentation. Boris prepared a thorough, yet succinct, submission to the ATO, resulting in a very positive outcome. I am so grateful for the professional expertise, balanced with compassion and support, the Axe Legal team provided throughout this process. I would highly recommend their services.

I was referred to Axe Legal by my accountant after I received an audit letter from the ATO. It's safe to say I couldn't sleep after reading the audit letter. I was so stressed and anxious as the ATO were coming after a huge amount of money that I couldn't pay. That all changed when I spoke to Stefan who was able to not only comfort me during a terrifying period of my life but also handle the matter from beginning to end and get me a fantastic outcome. I am more than happy to recommend Axe Legal to any person who needs help during an audit. They will take your matter as if it were their own.

I would like to thank Boris and his team for helping me through a very difficult audit. I did not expect the level of service I received from his firm. I'm usually one to try to fix the problem myself but dealing with Boris has reminded me that professionals are there for a reason. He took time to understand the history behind my matter and then came up with a strategy to deal with my situation. Thanks to Axe Legal my audit was finalised in no time at all and I was able to have the interest and penalties remitted allowing me to continue with my business. If you need help get in touch with Boris and Axe Legal.

I cannot thank Axe Legal enough for their exceptional assistance in preparing an objection to an amended assessment on my behalf. Boris and the team went above and beyond to ensure that my objection was thorough and effectively presented. Their attention to detail and deep understanding of tax law made the process much less daunting for me. Not only did they prepare a comprehensive objection, but they also applied for remission of interest and penalties, ultimately saving me a significant amount of money. I highly recommend Axe Legal to anyone facing tax challenges.

I received a notice from the ATO questioning several years of rental property deductions. Boris prepared a clear summary backed by supporting documents and handled all communication with the auditor. The ATO accepted our position without penalties. I’m so grateful for the calm and professional way the whole process was managed.

When my business was selected for a GST and PAYG audit, I was completely overwhelmed. Stefan immediately took control, coordinated responses with my accountant and presented everything the ATO needed in an organised and strategic way. The audit closed quickly with no adjustments.