ATO to launch a huge crackdown on Aussies not paying their tax - as Jim Chalmers announces huge funding boost

By NICHOLAS COMINO, POLITICAL REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 10:52, 12 May 2026 | Updated: 10:56, 12 May 2026 The Australian Taxation Office is set to significantly expand its workforce, adding nearly 1,500 staff as part of a broader push to crack down on fraud and strengthen the integrity of the tax system. Budget papers show the ATO’s headcount will climb from 19,938 to 21,410 over the next financial year. Treasurer Jim Chalmers told Daily Mail additional staff will underpin a new wave of compliance activity and fraud detection measures, as the government intensifies its efforts to close gaps in the system. The increase coincides with the rollout of Phase 2 of the government’s Counter Fraud Strategy, which aims to modernise how fraud is identified and prevented across both tax and superannuation systems. Treasury says the expanded workforce will bolster frontline compliance work while also supporting the rollout of more advanced, technology-driven capabilities. The hiring surge comes alongside a substantial funding boost. The ATO is set to receive $16.9 billion in 2026–27, rising to $18.85 billion the following year. Much of this funding will be directed toward targeted compliance programs, particularly in high-risk areas where fraud has historically been a concern. Jim Chalmers (pictured) told Daily Mail the staff increase was to strengthen compliance  One key focus is the Research and Development Tax Incentive, which the government plans to expand. The scheme has previously been vulnerable to misuse, and a portion of the new staff will focus specifically on monitoring claims and ensuring eligibility rules are enforced. At the same time, the budget introduces new incentives for businesses, including a $20,000 instant asset write-off for small businesses and start-ups, as well as additional support for venture capital investment. These measures are designed to stimulate growth, but they will also require closer oversight to prevent exploitation. Technology will play an increasingly central role in that effort. The ATO is investing heavily in artificial intelligence, including tools already embedded in its myTax platform. These systems can prompt taxpayers in real time, flagging potential errors or inconsistencies before returns are lodged. Treasury officials say this approach serves two purposes, by reducing mistakes while making deliberate fraud harder to commit. By identifying anomalies earlier, the ATO hopes to reduce the need for costly audits and enforcement action later. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.