Compliance
2026-27 Australian Tax Compliance Spotlight: Taskforce Funding & TPB Reforms
Recent Australian tax compliance changes include extended funding for the Tax Avoidance Taskforce and new reforms to TPB sanctions and registration, affecting practitioners and large taxpayer transparency.
By NomadicTax Research Team • 5-8 min read • September 3, 2026
## Key Compliance Policy Updates
Recent changes from the ATO and broader government that affect compliance obligations include:
**1. Extension of the Tax Avoidance Taskforce funding**
- In the 2026 Budget, funding for the Tax Avoidance Taskforce has been extended for **2 more years from 1 July 2026**, ensuring ongoing work investigating avoidance, especially among large, wealthy and multinational groups. ([ato.gov.au](https://www.ato.gov.au/api/public/content/0-18617229-46bd-4191-b62d-34145e31b96b?utm_source=openai))
- The ATO has reported that in 2023-24 alone, its compliance efforts secured **A$5.7 billion in additional tax revenue** from large public, multinational and private groups. ([ato.gov.au](https://www.ato.gov.au/api/public/content/0-2a2f10ea-4e8c-4217-b47e-696600a12fd6?utm_source=openai))
**2. TPB (Tax Practitioners Board) sanctions and registration reforms**
- Under a reform program announced in August 2023, TPB’s enhanced sanctions powers **commenced 1 July 2026**, with registration framework reforms to follow from **1 July 2027**. ([ato.gov.au](https://www.ato.gov.au/api/public/content/0-447e66f6-77a8-418e-b225-c29196fed36a?utm_source=openai))
- These changes include greater ability for the TPB to publish misconduct, extend investigation periods, and improve transparency on the Register. ([ato.gov.au](https://www.ato.gov.au/law/view/document?DocID=NEM%2FEM202413%2FNAT%2FATO%2F00002&utm_source=openai))
## What This Means for Tax Practitioners & Entities
- **More scrutiny for TPB-registered agents**: More powers to sanction for misconduct means compliance with code of conduct, accurate reporting and integrity of advice are more critical than ever.
- **Increased visibility**: Information in the TPB Register about disciplinary actions or misconduct is more likely to be published and stay there longer. Clients and public may readily see issues with practitioners.
- **Entities with high turnovers and offshore exposure**: will remain under focus of the Taskforce; structures, trust arrangements, and aggressive tax planning must align with law and be defensible.
## Practical Advice for Entities and Tax Professionals
- Review your arrangements, especially for large private groups and trusts, to ensure they can withstand rigorous ATO audit and investigation. Maintain strong documentation and ensure transactions have commercial rationale.
- Agents should review compliance with TPB Code of Conduct, be alert to expanded sanctions powers, and ensure registrations, disclosures, and continuation obligations satisfied.
- Keep up to date with published TPB guidance, especially around use of AI/automation in tax advice and software, for emerging regulatory expectations (e.g. exposure drafts like TPB (I) D62/2026) being developed. Advisory sources such as KPMG, EY, PwC offer analysis of what's expected.
- Monitor ATO’s reporting requirements; proactively ensure data transparency (e.g., for country-by-country reports, international dealings) to avoid surprises. The Taskforce tends to focus on global scale or foreign investment related issues.
## Example Scenarios
| Scenario | Risk | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| A boutique advisory firm using AI-tools for tax advice but not disclosing method | Might be exposed to TPB sanction if lack of oversight or transparency | Ensure tools are compliant, retain audit trail, document human oversight, consult draft guidance from TPB and advisory firms |
| Large private trust group with offshore income and intellectual property licences | Could be in scope of Taskforce’s focus on aggressive structures | Revisit trust deeds, ensure compliance with non-resident CGT, withholding, transparency and avoid artificial arrangements |
## External Insights and Further Reading
For deeper analysis, check out advisory firm publications on non-resident CGT reforms, promoter penalties, and international tax compliance. Firms like KPMG or EY often dissect how legislative changes affect practical risk.
## Conclusion
Australia’s compliance landscape is tightening: more funding, sharper oversight, expanded TPB authority. Tax entities and practitioners should focus on transparency, robust documentation, and staying ahead of regulatory changes. The new regime rewards integrity and punishes aggressive or opaque structures—preparation now avoids penalties later.