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Who we are

The ATO collects tax so that government can deliver services for the Australian community.

Last updated 11 March 2025

Our purpose and responsibilities

Our purpose is to collect tax so that government can deliver services for the Australian community. This includes us:

  • collecting tax
  • administering the goods and services tax (GST) on behalf of Australian states and territories
  • managing our responsibilities in the superannuation system
  • administering a range of payments and transfers on behalf of government as custodian of the Australian Business Register.

We operate under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, within the Treasury portfolio, and are accountable under the Public Service Act 1999.

Our vision

Our vision is an Australia where every taxpayer meets their obligations because:

  • complying is easy
  • help is tailored
  • deliberate non-compliance has consequences.

You can learn more about our strategic direction and compliance activities in speeches and media releases we publish to our Media centre.

The ATO began as part of Treasury in 1910.

The ATO is a non-corporate Commonwealth entity within the Treasury portfolio.

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