ATO audits are something that tax practitioners should always be prepared for. In the instance of an audit occurring, knowing the most effective way to respond could make or break the result of any disputes that may arise, and ensure the best outcome for client and adviser.
Angelina Lagana, CTA, Tax Dispute Resolution and Controversy Partner in KPMG Law delves deeper into the practical workshop she will be delivering at The Tax Summit, and explains what it is about this event that stands out to her compared to others previously attended. Over the course of Angelina’s 19 years’ of experience she has specialised in tax controversy and dispute resolution, representing high wealth individuals, corporations and multinationals subject to ATO reviews and audits.
Angelina’s session at The Tax Summit - Workshop 2: Managing an ATO audit
At The Tax Summit, Angelina and her colleague, Keith Swan, will be delivering an interactive workshop on ‘Managing an ATO audit’. This insightful session deals with administrative issues and strategic options, whilst also giving attendees top tips on how to be proactive in managing their interactions with the ATO both prior to and during an ATO risk review or audit.
We caught up with Angelina ahead of her session to find out why she’s facilitating a workshop on managing an ATO audit.
“It’s certainly an area that the ATO is focusing on at the moment,’ Angelina begins. She emphasises how the ATO is increasingly active and working under tighter timeframes in the audit space, and companies are struggling with the level of resource and huge amount of time and effort that is needed to proactively work with the ATO in order to effectively manage an ATO review or audit. “Our clients are looking for practical and strategic advice on how it is that they can manage an audit in a way that makes an impact,” she says.
Angelina highlights, we understand that “tax audits are sensitive and confidential, so we will be sending out a survey in advance of the workshop to hear what issues the delegates would like us to cover, what challenges they are facing and what it is that they want to focus on”. We want to make sure we are addressing the session in a very practical way that helps them resolve their issues.”
Networking opportunities at The Tax Summit promise maximum interaction
Angelina is a long-time member of The Tax Institute and has attended many events since the beginning of her tax career almost 20 years ago.
We asked her for some of the reasons why she is so excited about The Tax Summit and why it stands out to her compared to previous events.
“What I like about the Summit is that there is something to cover every industry and every taxpayer, from small to medium, all the way through to topics tailored for the large and multinational taxpayers and advisors” Angelina says.
She also adds that there is something for everyone because of the number of sessions and the range of speakers that are attending. “There are numerous opportunities to network at The Tax Summit, not only during the sessions, but particularly during the workshops where you'll have the opportunity to interact.” Angelina also emphasises how she is looking forward to speaking to people that attend her session, as well as others throughout the day. “It’s a great way to reconnect with people that I may not have seen in a while,” she says.
As a tax leader, we asked Angelina what she would say to other heads of departments thinking about bringing their team along to the Summit.
“Encourage your team to attend. It's a great way to build up your CPD points and build on their networking opportunities. It’s also an excellent way to share knowledge across the team so that everyone is developing their skills and being the best tax professional that they can be” Angelina explains.
Strength of the technical program
Angelina assists and advises her clients throughout all stages of an ATO inquiry from before the ATO comes knocking to streamlined assurance/risk reviews, audits, objections, alternative dispute resolution, settlement and litigation. This provides her with a unique insight into the biggest challenges currently facing tax practitioners.
“Tax is an in-depth and complex area, and therefore keeping up with current issues that affect your clients can be a challenge. In addition to that, a tax dispute involves taking the time to support and manage our various stakeholders including our client, but also the regulators and other commercial stakeholders that we may have to deal with”, she says.
According to Angelina, the best way that tax practitioners can address these challenges is speaking to experts to build specialisms within teams.
Angelina thinks The Tax Summit is an excellent opportunity to develop technical skills, obtain practical insights into current challenges people face and learn how to overcome them.
“There will be speakers who are experts in technical areas that you wouldn't often get to hear from. There is no doubt that anyone that is attending will actually be able to benefit both on the technical and practical perspective because of the depth of experience that speakers have at these sessions.”
Want your team to stand out in 2020?
Attend The Tax Summit and discover over 60 sessions delivered by local and global tax experts, across SME, Corporate and Hot Topic streams.
The Tax Summit also includes keynote sessions from the biggest and brightest minds in tax, 90+ speakers, interactive workshops and four new streams: Professional Practice, Emerging Leaders, International and Technology.
Not to mention National Convention’s hugely popular networking events, the Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner featuring The Tax Adviser of the Year Awards.
With over 1,000 attendees against the stunning harbourside backdrop of the ICC in Sydney, The Tax Summit is the unmissable opportunity to network, refine your skills and take your career to the next level.
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