Tax Department
Last Updated :
07 July 2010
Impartial and Professional Service
We will provide professional, impartial and courteous service. We will be pleased to deal with you or your authorized agent.
In particular, we will:
- Be impartial and treat you in a professional and courteous manner
- Apply the tax laws fairly and equitably
- Properly identify ourselves when contacting you, and the reason for the contact
- Provide information to help you understand tax law and its impact
Privacy and Confidentiality
We will keep your tax returns and other information secure and confidential.
In particular, we will:
- Keep your tax information secure, and give you access to that information
- When collecting information from you tell you why we are asking for that information, how we will use it, and what will happen if you choose not to provide the requested information
- When disclosing information about you, only use your information in accordance with the law
Accessible Information
We will offer clear, understandable and current tax information and will make this information available to you through various media.
In particular, we will:
- Make tax information available in alternative formats upon request
- Ensure that information explaining a tax change is available to all taxpayers within one week following a significant change in tax policy or legislation
Assistance
We will provide timely and accurate responses to questions and requests for tax information. We will explain to you the tax implication of your current tax situation and if you seek to learn more about your liability and how it is determined, offer you the option of meeting with us.
We will listen and respond to your enquiries and conduct ourselves in a manner that encourages public confidence.
If you are making an enquiry of a general nature, you do not have to identify yourself. However if you are making an enquiry about your tax assessment or particular tax affairs it is important that we are certain about your identity before we proceed with our discussion.
If we cannot assist you immediately, we will tell you when you can expect a response based on the complexity of the issues.
If you have a complex tax situation and require a detailed explanation or interpretation of the tax law as it applies to your particular situation, you can request a written ruling.
Reliable Written Information
We will provide written information that you can rely on in the form of tax bulletins, notices, publications, rulings and statements of practice.
Education
We will provide information programs and seminars on specific tax issues.
Voluntary Disclosure
We will allow you to voluntarily disclose your tax situation without incurring a penalty or being prosecuted for tax violations under certain conditions.