Tax Alert: ATO to send text messages

In the wake of increased tax fraud attempts, the ATO is advising that it may be sending SMS text messages directly to taxpayers.

You may receive a text message if incorrect bank account details have been included in your tax return and you are entitled to a refund. You should always exercise extra caution when dealing with electronic messages from (or purportedly from) the ATO. In this instance, the ATO have confirmed that the SMS will advise impacted taxpayers that:

• their refund cannot be processed due to incorrect bank account details; and

• they should phone the ATO on 13 28 61 to correct their details.

Remember, if you're ever in doubt about the authenticity of correspondence you have received from the ATO, you can verify it by calling the ATO directly on 1800 008 540.