GIC Under Scrutiny: What the Ombudsman’s Report Means for Advisers

Audits Uncovered E.28

The ATO maintains that General Interest Charge (GIC) is not punitive, and that remission is available where “special circumstances” exist. But how is that discretion actually being exercised in practice?

In this dedicated one-hour session of Audits Uncovered, we move beyond policy settings and examine the findings of the soon to be released 'In the Interest of Fairness' report by the Tax Ombudsman into the ATO’s GIC remission decision-making framework.

Lead in the investigation, Helen Fong, unpacks the evidence behind the review, including how remission requests are assessed, whether decisions are applied consistently, the adequacy of reasons provided, and what the data reveals about objection-stage outcomes.

Joining the panel are Michael Cranston and Rebecca Morgan, who will provide governance and practitioner perspectives on what the findings mean for advisers navigating amended assessments, escalating interest liabilities, and client expectations.

This session offers a structured, evidence-based examination of whether practice aligns with principle - and what the review signals about transparency, discretion, and the future administration of GIC remission.

What You’ll Learn

• How the ATO actually applies GIC remission discretion in practice including what qualifies as “special circumstances” and how remission requests are assessed.
• Key findings from the Tax Ombudsman’s review and insights into consistency of decision-making, adequacy of reasons provided, and trends emerging from objection-stage outcomes.
• What the review means for advisers managing amended assessments, escalating interest liabilities, and client expectations.
• Whether the ATO’s real-world practices align with stated principles, and what the findings signal for the future of GIC remission.

Speakers

Helen Fong

Helen is the Acting Deputy Tax Ombudsman for Reviews. She led the review into the administration of General Interest Charge remission, with the findings published in the report In the Interest of Fairness.

Helen has worked in the public sector since 2011 and joined the Tax Ombudsman in 2015. During her time with the office, she has held a range of senior roles, including leading the Complex Complaints Unit, and has led several significant reviews, such as the recently published Registered Agent Phone Line review.

Michael Cranston

Michael Cranston is a former Deputy Commissioner of the Australian Taxation Office, responsible for compliance across private groups, high-wealth individuals and serious tax-crime investigations following more than 40 years in public service. He is now a partner at Waterhouse Tax Lawyers advising businesses and individuals on audit, dispute and debt matters. His leadership in high-stakes tax-risk environments gives him direct insight into how audit outcomes can escalate into major debt exposures.

Rebecca Morgan

Rebecca Morgan is a respected taxation specialist and senior representative of the National Tax & Accountants’ Association (NTAA). As Taxation Manager at CSA, she advises on complex tax matters and supports practitioners navigating an increasingly dynamic and regulated compliance environment.

Rebecca is widely known across the Australian tax community for her technical expertise, practical problem-solving approach, and ability to clearly communicate complex tax issues. She plays a key role in the development and delivery of NTAA education programs, ensuring accountants remain informed of legislative changes, ATO compliance trends and emerging risks.

With deep experience across advisory, tax policy interpretation and practitioner education, Rebecca is a trusted voice for the profession and a passionate advocate for supporting accountants in delivering quality outcomes for their clients.