Close search
Tax
/
Tax Disputes

Tax Dispute Lawyers

Tax disputes often arise when a taxpayer disagrees with an ATO assessment, decision, audit outcome, penalty, tax debt position, amended assessment, or other action taken by a revenue authority. Understanding your position and available objection, review, or appeal pathways can help you respond confidently and manage risk.

We help:

  • Understand the basis of a tax assessment or decision being challenged
  • Identify appropriate review, objection, or appeal options
  • Respond to tax disputes in a structured and strategic way
Book Consult
4.9
89 Google Reviews
Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)

First class advice, service, and communication. I have had the pleasure of working with Velocity Legal for many years across a range of challenging matters and they never fail to impress.

Grant F

Their meticulous attention to detail, unwavering professionalism and strategic approach have delivered an outstanding result. Their level of service is nothing short of impressive.

Jack C

From the initial consultation to the final resolution, they provided exceptional
service and achieved an outstanding result for our case.

Wan Li

We are an accounting firm that works closely with Velocity Legal on all our client's legal matters… Every client who works with their team is delighted and impressed by the clear advice, efficient communication, and seamless process.

Selina L

I highly recommend the team at Velocity Legal. They are extremely knowledgeable, professional, have an eye for detail and their work ethic is second to none.

Mark P

They provided so much support and guidance through the process and I felt like they genuinely cared about getting the right outcome for me. They obviously know their stuff but were able to explain things in a simple and clear way.

Natalie F

Approachable, honest, professional and transparent. An absolute pleasure to work with.

Bob W

4.9
89 Google Reviews
Book Consult

We Understand What You Are Going Through

Tax disputes often begin with correspondence from a revenue authority that can feel serious and time-sensitive. You may be unsure whether an assessment is correct, how it was calculated, or what steps should be taken next.

These matters can involve complex factual and legal issues, particularly where audits, reassessments, or penalties are involved. Strict timeframes and unfamiliar processes can add pressure, especially where significant amounts are at stake.

We understand the uncertainty tax disputes can create. We help you work through the issues in a clear and practical way, so responses are proportionate, well-considered, and aligned with your broader commercial or personal circumstances.

Our Services Include

  • Advising on disputes with the Australian Taxation Office, including audits, investigations, amended assessments, objections, penalties, interest, tax debt and appeals
  • Preparing objections to tax assessments and penalty decisions
  • Advising on reviews and appeals of decisions by revenue authorities
  • Supporting negotiations and alternative resolution pathways with revenue authorities
  • Representing clients in tax dispute proceedings before tribunals and courts
  • Advising on compliance issues arising from audits, investigations, or reassessments

Some tax disputes involve federal tax issues administered by the Australian Taxation Office. Others involve state revenue authorities, such as Revenue NSW or Victoria’s State Revenue Office. We also advise on state revenue disputes involving land tax, payroll tax, duty, surcharge issues, and vacant residential land tax.

Our Difference

Accountability & Expertise

Every matter we handle comes with full accountability. You’ll deal directly with an expert – every time, no exceptions.

In Your Shoes

Understanding your unique circumstances and goals - so our advice is practical, personal, and never given in a vacuum.

Transparency & Communication

We speak your language. That means plain, clear advice - what’s happening, why it matters, and what comes next.

50+
Australian Based Team
4,000+
Matters Expertly Handled
10+
Awards & Industry Recognition

Our Process

  1. Book Meeting
    Fill in the contact form below or call our office to book an initial consult. You can choose between an in-person or video conference.
  2. Get Advice

    You’ll discuss your situation in depth with a senior lawyer. This includes exploring your requirements, goals, and desired outcomes. You’ll walk away from this meeting with a clear understanding of the next steps.
  3. Achieve Outcomes

    Our legal team will work tirelessly to achieve your desired objectives. We work hard, communicate regularly, and pride ourselves on delivering results.
Book a Consult

Take the First Step Today

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Book an initial consult with our expert legal team and get clear answers about your situation.

  • Transparent quotes (no ‘bill shock’)
  • Rapid response
  • Award winning team
Andrew Henshaw
Managing Director
Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)

Our Directors

Managing Director

Andrew Henshaw

Director

Demian Walton

Director

Jennifer Maher

Director

Jess Hill

Director

Rajan Verma

Director

Robert Osler

Director

Seamus Ryan

Director

Tori Kilby

Director

Greg Thomas

Tax Disputes: Challenging the Decision, Not Just the Amount

A tax dispute usually starts with an amount that feels wrong. But the more useful question is what sits behind that number: what decision was made, what facts were accepted, what evidence was rejected and whether the revenue authority applied the law correctly.

A tax dispute lawyer can help you work out whether the next step is a tax objection, further submissions, settlement discussions or preparation for review. The response should be aimed at the decision that needs to change, not just the amount payable.

Start with the decision in front of you

A tax assessment dispute can lose focus if the taxpayer responds to the wrong issue. An information request is not the same as an assessment. A tax audit position is not the same as an objection decision. A penalty decision may need a separate response from the underlying tax issue.

Before preparing a response, it is worth checking:

  • What assessment, amended assessment, tax reassessment, penalty or decision is being disputed
  • Which tax period, transaction, entity or structure is involved
  • Whether the issue is factual, legal, valuation-based or procedural
  • Whether the revenue authority misunderstood the facts or applied the wrong treatment
  • What documents support the taxpayer’s position
  • Whether tax penalties and interest should also be challenged
  • Whether the matter involves an ATO tax dispute, state revenue disputes, or both
  • What deadline applies to the next step.

A short explanation may be enough for a simple record error. It is rarely enough where the dispute turns on valuation, substantiation, trust treatment, contractor classification, capital gains tax treatment or the purpose of a transaction.

Evidence should answer the authority’s point

A strong ATO objection should not simply say the assessment is unfair or unaffordable. It should identify the decision, explain why it is wrong and connect the documents to the legal issue.

The evidence will depend on the dispute. Contracts, invoices, trust deeds, valuations, bank records, financial statements, working papers, payroll records, property documents and statutory declarations may all matter.

For example, a CGT dispute may turn on cost base records, ownership history or valuation evidence. A payroll tax dispute may require contractor agreements, grouping material or wage calculations. A land tax dispute may depend on ownership, use, exemptions or surcharge treatment. Issues involving trust distributions may require trustee resolutions, beneficiary records and distribution history.

Audits, objections and appeals need different strategies

A tax audit is often where the dispute starts to form. At that stage, there may still be an opportunity to explain the facts, provide documents or narrow the issue before an assessment is made. Once an assessment or reassessment issues, the focus usually shifts to objection rights and formal review pathways.

If an objection decision is unfavourable, a tax appeal or external review may be available, depending on the tax and decision involved. For federal tax matters, this may involve the Administrative Review Tribunal or a Federal Court tax appeal. For state taxes, the pathway may involve the relevant state revenue authority, tribunal or court process.

The first objection should be prepared with those possible next steps in mind. A narrow objection lodged before the documents have been reviewed can be hard to expand later. The same problem can arise if the response focuses on frustration with the outcome rather than the legal basis for why the decision is wrong.

Penalties, interest and settlement pressure

A revenue authority dispute is not always resolved by proving the whole assessment is wrong. In some matters, the practical dispute may be about remission of penalties, interest, substantiation gaps, settlement terms or how the issue affects later tax periods.

Not every dispute should become tax litigation. Some matters resolve through further information, remission requests, revised assessments or settlement discussions. Others need a firmer position, particularly where the amount is significant, the authority’s reasoning is not supported by the documents, or the same issue could arise again.

The strategy should account for the amount in dispute, the strength of the evidence, payment pressure, cost exposure, penalties, interest and whether a settlement would properly close off the issue.

How Velocity Legal can help

Velocity Legal’s tax lawyers assist individuals, businesses, trustees, directors, family groups and advisers with tax disputes, including ATO reviews, tax audits, objections, reassessments, penalty and interest issues, settlement discussions and tax litigation where required.

If you need advice from tax dispute lawyers about a tax assessment, audit outcome, objection decision or revenue authority position, contact Velocity Legal before the next deadline or response step. Read Less

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tax dispute?
+
A tax dispute arises where a taxpayer disagrees with a tax assessment, decision, or enforcement action taken by a revenue authority. This may relate to liability, penalties, interest, or compliance matters.
Who can be involved in a tax dispute?
+
Tax disputes can involve individuals, businesses, trustees or other entities. Many tax disputes involve the Australian Taxation Office, including audits, investigations, amended assessments, objections, penalties and tax debt. State-based disputes may involve Revenue NSW, the State Revenue Office Victoria or another state revenue authority.
What if my dispute is with Revenue NSW or Victoria’s State Revenue Office Office?
+
If your matter involves Revenue NSW, the State Revenue Office Victoria, land tax, payroll tax, duty, surcharge purchaser duty, vacant residential land tax or another state-based tax issue, our State Revenue Disputes page may be more relevant.
Are there time limits to challenge a tax decision?
+
Yes. Strict time limits apply to lodging objections, seeking reviews, or filing appeals. Missing these deadlines can limit available options.
Can tax disputes be resolved without going to court?
+
In many cases, yes. Tax disputes may be resolved through objection processes, negotiation, or alternative dispute resolution, depending on the nature of the dispute.
When should advice be sought in a tax dispute?
+
Early advice is often helpful, particularly where time limits apply or the dispute involves complex issues. Understanding your position early can help manage risk and guide next steps.

Take the First
Step Today

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Book an initial consult with our expert legal team and get clear answers about your situation.

  • Transparent quotes (no ‘bill shock’)
  • Rapid response
  • Award winning team
Book Consult
4.9
89 Google Reviews
Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)