iscoverThe tax community is working together to address the financial abuse of vulnerable Australians in the tax system to avoid devastating impacts.
Tax practitioners urged to protect Australians from financial abuse in tax system
08 August 2025
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8 minute read
The Tax Practitioner’s Board (TPB), the Tax Ombudsman, and the UNSW Tax Clinic have joined forces to help support tax practitioners in guiding and helping their clients avoid financial abuse in the tax and regulatory system.
In a recent webinar, the TPB and Tax Ombudsman addressed “alarming” ways the tax system was being weaponised, from coercive control to fraudulent tax returns, and aimed to provide support and education surrounding the behaviours.
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The two bodies noted that it was crucial the profession was aware of tactics used by perpetrators, and how the tax profession could play a vital role in prevention, detection and providing support for victims.
The call for action followed a report from the Tax Ombudsman, which highlighted the devastating impacts financial abuse could have on victim-survivors and provided “actionable recommendations to improve support, accountability, and collaboration across government agencies”.
The report found that one in six women and one in 13 men had experienced financial abuse by an intimate partner, with the tax system being used as a weapon to create debts in the victim-survivors’ names.
Speaking to Accountants Daily, Teddy Kosasih, MaxGrowth managing partner, said stopping financial abuse in the tax system was crucial because it undermined not only financial independence, but personal dignity and safety too.
“When the tax system is misused to control or harm others through coercive debt, fraudulent returns, or manipulation, it causes real and lasting damage to victim survivors.”
“Upholding fairness and integrity in the system is essential. With purpose at the core of what we do, we must stand against any misuse of the tax system that disempowers people.”
Annette Tasker, IPA board member and part of the UNSW Tax Clinic, said she actively supported and provided advice to help victim-survivors “rebuild their lives”.
“Financial abuse can happen to anyone, and the impacts can be devastating and long lasting for victim-survivors and their families.”
“When talking to clients, I encourage tax practitioners to look out for a power imbalance among clients, ask questions if you suspect someone is a victim of financial abuse and make sure you meet with all clients you are representing.”
The TPB noted that increasing professional awareness could help reduce stigma and support victim-survivors and families in difficult circumstances and that tax practitioners could assist in being alert to signs of financial abuse among clients.
Kosasih said tax practitioners were trusted professionals and had the responsibility to act “with passion for justice and a commitment to people”, especially those who were vulnerable.
“By being aware of the signs, asking thoughtful questions, and creating safe spaces for clients, we can help detect and prevent financial abuse.”
“Through compassion, collaboration and education the tax community can empower victim-survivors and contribute to lasting change. Together, we can make a difference.”
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