Australians report tax dodges 1,000 times a week to the ATO
Australians made 52,000 tax and super misconduct reports to the ATO in 2025-26. That's an 11% rise driven by cost-of-living pressure.
Australians are reporting suspected tax cheating at about 1,000 tip-offs each week. More than 52,000 reports were lodged in 2025-26.
That's an 11% jump from the more than 47,000 reports made two years earlier. Building, construction, cafés, restaurants, and hair and beauty topped the list of reported industries.
About 83% of tip-offs received by the ATO were suitable for further review. Tony Greco is a senior tax adviser at the Institute of Public Accountants.
He said cost-of-living pressures could be making people more willing to report suspected cheating. "When things tighten up, they want everyone to be paying their fair share," he said.
Cash-only businesses attract suspicion, though accepting cash does not automatically mean a business is dodging tax. Community reports often come from workers, customers, or rivals who spot something that looks wrong.
- 52,000
- 2025-26 reports
- 1,000 tip-offs
- Weekly rate
- 11%
- Growth over two years
- 2,500+
- Hospitality reports
Why it mattersCommunity tip-offs are a major intelligence tool for ATO compliance. Rising reports suggest growing community resolve to enforce fair tax payment.
AustraliaThe ATO's compliance activity rests partly on these community reports, which influence which businesses face audits and enforcement action across Australia.
Corroborated byeconomist.com
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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