For many victim-survivors, receiving a notice about an outstanding tax debt is the first time they realise they have been affected by financial abuse. In some cases, debts may have been incurred without their knowledge, fraud, or the misuse of their personal information. For others, it may have been under coercion, with fears of what could happen to them or their family if they didn’t comply.
These debts can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars and cause long-term financial hardship. Discovering that financial abuse has occurred can leave victim-survivors feeling shocked, embarrassed and uncertain about what to do next. Unfortunately, this is something we are hearing more and more frequently at WIRE.
The end of the financial year can create additional pressure for those already navigating financial and economic abuse through tax debt. For this reason, WIRE’s Information Advocate, Maddy Collicoat sat down with Kirsty Robson from Consumer Action Law Centre to discuss some of the barriers within the tax system and the options available to navigate these issues.
Whether you’ve been lumped with an unsuspecting small business tax debt, fraudulently listed as a director of a company, or affected by recent GST fraud, WIRE and CALC hope this video can provide some clarity for victim survivors, and highlight possible next steps.
WIRE would like to thank Kirsty Robson from Consumer Action Law Centre for generously sharing her knowledge and expertise with us. We hope this video can be a useful educational resource for women, trans, and gender diverse people who are navigating financial abuse and tax-related debt.
Watch Interview
Helpful Resources
WIRE helps women, trans and gender diverse people navigate a range of issues such as; family violence, money issues, housing services, separation and property, and more.
Learn more at https://www.wire.org.au or call us on 1300 134 130.
Further Support
Consumer Action Law Centre: https://consumeraction.org.au/
1800 466 477
(Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 am – 1 pm)
National Debt Helpline: https://ndh.org.au/
1800 007 007
(Monday – Friday: 9:30am-4:30pm)
ASIC: https://www.asic.gov.au/
1300 300 630 (Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 5 pm)
Australian Taxation Office https://www.ato.gov.au/about-ato/contact-us
Business Self-help service: 13 72 26
Individual self-help service: 13 28 65
Find your closest National Tax Clinic: https://www.nationaltaxclinics.gov.au/find-a-tax-clinic
FREE Credit Check: https://www.equifax.com.au/personal/products/equifax-free-credit-report
Lifeline: 13 11 14
For family violence support, please call 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
If you are in immediate danger, please call 000.
Glossary
ASIC: Australian Services and Investments Commission
ATO: Australian Taxation Office
CALC: Consumer Action Law Centre
DPN: Director’s Penalty Notice
GST: Goods & Services Tax