Australian Tax Office targets inflated, inaccurate tax deductions

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) will be scrutinizing tax returns this year, aiming to reduce a $948 million tax shortfall from the 2021-2022 financial year. The ATO is focusing on work-related deductions, with particular attention to potentially inflated or inappropriate claims, such as a laundromat owner's safari trip and swimwear for a truck driver. They are also looking at the more opaque claims. The ATO emphasizes its diligence in reviewing returns, reminding taxpayers to ensure all claims are accurate and supported by documentation to avoid inquiries.