- Address: 123 Anywhere Street
- hello@watsontax.com.au
SYDNEY · MELBOURNE · CANBERRA · AUSTRALIA
Lawyers for ATO Reviews, Audits & Tax Controversy
Senior representation in ATO reviews, audits, objections, settlements & tax disputes.
ABOUT WATSON Tax LAWYERS
Who We Are
Watson Tax Lawyers advises and represents clients in dealings with the Australian Taxation Office, including reviews, audits, objections, settlement negotiations and litigation strategy.
The focus is on helping clients understand the technical issues, assess the strength of their position, manage risk and develop a practical and effective path through ATO processes, rather than reacting piecemeal to correspondence and demands.
What We Do in ATO Reviews, Audits & Tax Controversy
01
ATO Reviews & Audits
Acting in ATO reviews and audits of individuals, private groups, companies and trusts, including high‑wealth programs and targeted industry or issue‑based reviews.
Work includes managing information requests, preparing responses, coordinating with accountants and advisers, and setting a strategy from the outset rather than simply answering questions in isolation.
02
Objections & Amended Assessments
Advising on and preparing objections to amended assessments and other ATO decisions.
The aim is to identify the real points in dispute, assess prospects realistically and present the client’s position clearly and persuasively within the objection framework.
03
Settlement Discussions & Alternative Resolutions
Assisting with settlement discussions, including use of the ATO’s settlement processes where appropriate.
We help clients weigh the commercial and legal implications of settlement options, and negotiate with a view to achieving outcomes that are acceptable and sustainable.
04
Litigation Strategy & Coordination With Counsel
Developing litigation strategies and working with counsel where matters proceed to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or Federal Court.
Watson Tax Lawyers assists in framing issues, managing evidence and ensuring that tax, commercial and broader risk considerations are brought together in decisions about whether and how to litigate.
WHO WE ASSIST
The Clients & Advisers We Act for.
01
Private Groups & Family Businesses Under Scrutiny
Private groups and family businesses subject to ATO reviews or audits, or facing amended assessments on historical positions, distributions or structures.
02
High‑Net-Worth Individuals & Directors
High‑wealth individuals and directors who are the focus of ATO attention, including in relation to their personal affairs and their roles within private groups.
03
Companies & Trustees Facing ATO Engagement
Companies and trustees dealing with reviews, audits or disputes about income tax, GST, duty or related issues, where the consequences are material.
04
Executives & Professionals Involved in ATO Disputes
Executives and professionals whose roles within organisations have led to involvement in ATO matters, and who need advice on their own position and obligations.
05
Accountants & Tax Agents Looking for Support
Accountants and tax agents whose clients are facing serious ATO reviews, audits or disputes, and who require specialist legal support rather than managing the process alone.
06
Lawyers With Clients in Tax Disputes
Lawyers with clients in broader commercial or family disputes where an ATO review, audit or amended assessment has become a central element of the risk picture.
Discuss Your Matter in Confidence.
If you are facing a serious tax, commercial, private wealth or whistleblower issue, contact Watson Tax Lawyers for a confidential discussion about your position and the options available.
BY THE NUMBERS
40+
Years advising on tax, commercial and private wealth matters
28
Years as a partner at Greenwoods & Herbert Smith Freehills
100+
Significant transactions, projects and disputes.
150+
Private groups, family offices and high-net-worth clients advised
Solicitor & Chartered Accountant | Extensive experience in ATO reviews, audits & disputes
founder of watson tax lawyers
Meet Anthony Watson
Anthony Watson is the principal of Watson Tax Lawyers. He is both a solicitor and a chartered accountant, with more than 35 years’ experience acting for private groups, businesses and individuals in significant dealings with the ATO.
His work in this area includes reviews, audits, objections, settlement negotiations and the development of litigation strategies in matters where the tax in dispute, the principles involved or the broader commercial consequences are substantial.
CLIENT CONFIDENCE
01 / 05
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
How the Process Works for ATO Reviews, Audits & Disputes
01
Confidential Discussion & Document Review
We begin with a confidential discussion about the ATO’s actions to date, the history of the matter and the client’s commercial position, then review key correspondence and documents.
02
Assessment of Issues & Position
Anthony assesses the technical issues, the strength of the client’s position and the realistic options available, including objection, settlement and, where appropriate, litigation.
03
Strategy, Responses & Engagement with the ATO
We develop and implement a strategy for dealing with the ATO — including managing information requests, preparing responses and submissions, and engaging in settlement processes where they make sense.
04
Resolution Pathway & Ongoing Counsel
As the matter progresses, Anthony remains involved to adjust strategy as new information emerges, ATO positions evolve or commercial considerations change, and to assist in decisions about settlement or litigation.
Discuss Your Matter in Confidence.
If you are facing a serious tax, commercial, private wealth or whistleblower issue, contact Watson Tax Lawyers for a confidential discussion about your position and the options available.
WHY CHOOSE US
Why Watson Tax Lawyers for ATO Reviews, Audits & Tax Controversy
I
Senior Representation in Serious Matters
ATO reviews, audits and disputes are handled personally by Anthony, reflecting the seriousness of the financial, commercial and reputational stakes involved.
II
Realistic Assessment & Strategy
Advice is grounded in a realistic assessment of the client’s position and prospects, aimed at avoiding both unnecessary capitulation and unnecessary, costly fights.
III
Deep Experience with Private Group Disputes
Anthony has significant experience acting for private groups, property developers, investors and high‑wealth individuals in contentious matters with the ATO.
IV
Collaborative with Accountants & Advisers
Watson Tax Lawyers works closely with accountants, tax agents and other advisers, adding legal and strategic support while they continue to play a central role in the client’s affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions about ATO Reviews, Audits & Tax Controversy
When should we involve you in an ATO matter?
The earlier the better. Engaging senior support at the review or early audit stage often allows issues to be clarified and addressed before positions harden. That said, we are also engaged at objection and litigation stages where matters have already escalated.
Do you deal directly with the ATO or only through our accountant?
We can deal directly with the ATO or work through your accountant or tax agent, depending on what is most appropriate. In many matters we work as a team, with your accountant handling compliance and factual detail and Anthony focusing on legal and strategic issues.
Will you always recommend fighting an assessment?
No. Our role is to provide a realistic assessment of prospects and options. In some matters it is appropriate to pursue objections and litigation; in others, a negotiated settlement or managed resolution is the better course. The decision is always made with a clear understanding of risks, costs and consequences.
Can you assist if we have already received an amended assessment or objection decision?
Yes. We regularly act where amended assessments have been issued or objections have been decided. We can review the history, advise on prospects and options, and assist with next steps, including further objections, settlement discussions or litigation strategy.
DISCUSS YOUR MATTER IN CONFIDENCE
Begin a Confidential Conversation.
If you are facing a serious tax, commercial, private wealth or whistleblower issue, contact Watson Tax Lawyers for a confidential discussion about your position and the options available.
- Watson Tax Lawyers will review your enquiry and respond as soon as practicable. The firm will confirm separately whether it is able to act and, if so, the applicable terms of engagement.