Daily London
As a result, the ATO is issuing departure prohibition orders (DPO) against people it believes are attempting to avoid paying their debts.
According to recent data, the ATO has issued 21 DPOs, which is more than the total number issued in the last financial year as a whole.
“Taxpayers with significant debts to the ATO that think they can skip the country without paying what is owed to the community should think again,” ATO Assistant Commissioner Anita Challen said.
Other illegal measures the ATO is looking to stamp out include businesses taxing taxes from employees or GST from customers, but not passing it onto the government.
DPOs are seen as a last resort, as the ATO has less power to enforce other restrictions if the person is not in Australia at the time.
Challen insisted all Australians should heed the warning.
“If you have a significant debt with the ATO and we’ve issued you with a DPO, you’ll need to pay or make satisfactory arrangements to pay before planning your overseas travel,” she said.
