Data Matching Program – ATO Collects 1 Million Records

The Commissioner of Taxation has issued a “Notice of Data Matching Program” advising that the Australia Taxation Office (ATO) will collect details on people who held Subclass 406, 410, 411, 415-424, 426-428, 442, 457, 462, 570-576 or 580 visas from 1 January 2012 to 30 June 2014 inclusive from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 income years. These will be electronically matched and analysed with certain sections of ATO data holdings to identify potential fraud, and other non compliance with lodgment and payment obligations under taxation law. Records relating to approximately 1 million individuals who were granted visas under the above subclasses will be matched. The ATO may also provide information to assist the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to maintain the integrity of the student and temporary working visa programs.