When the ATO Says "No": How Experienced Tax Debt Negotiators Find a Way | Olga Koskie & Sam Bird

What happens when ATO tax debt becomes overwhelming, payment plans keep getting rejected, or life circumstances make it difficult to keep up with tax obligations? In this conversation, Olga Koskie and Samuel Bird from Tax Assure discuss how specialist tax debt negotiation can help Australian individuals and businesses find a sustainable way forward. As a Senior Adviser at Tax Assure, Samuel works directly with the ATO every day, helping clients negotiate payment arrangements, seek General Interest Charge (GIC) remission and navigate complex tax debt situations. From construction businesses and medical professionals to seasonal businesses and farmers, every client's circumstances are different — and so is the approach needed to resolve their tax debt. In this video, Olga and Samuel explore: -Negotiating ATO payment plans: Why sustainable arrangements need to reflect a business's actual cash flow and financial circumstances. -Seasonal cash flow challenges: How payment plans can be structured around periods of higher and lower income rather than relying on equal monthly payments. -Understanding ATO expectations: Why knowing the ATO's processes, requirements and decision-making approach can make a difference when negotiating a payment arrangement. -General Interest Charge (GIC) remission: How eligible taxpayers may be able to have accumulated interest removed from their ATO debt. -Real client outcomes: How Tax Assure helped a client secure a 36-month payment arrangement and subsequently obtain approximately $230,000 in interest remission. -When the ATO says no: Why an initial rejection doesn't necessarily mean there are no further options to explore. -Overcoming tax debt overwhelm: Why early communication and specialist support can help individuals and business owners take the first steps towards resolving their tax debt. Olga and Samuel also explain why ATO tax debt is about more than numbers. Illness, family responsibilities, business pressures and unexpected life events can all contribute to tax debt accumulating over time. Understanding these circumstances and presenting them effectively to the ATO is central to developing a realistic proposal. Whether your ATO debt is $60,000 or several million dollars, the key is finding an approach that considers both the ATO's expectations and your ability to pay. Struggling with ATO tax debt? Don't assume that being told "no" means the conversation is over. Tax Assure specialises in ATO tax debt negotiation, payment arrangements and interest remission. Engaging early can help you understand your options and take the next step. -------------------------------- Drop Tax Assure a line at: 📧 hello@taxassure.com.au ☎️ 1300 952 295 https://www.taxassure.com.au ---------------------------- Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, it should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with qualified professionals, including legal, financial, or tax advisors. Each business situation is unique, and we recommend seeking tailored advice that considers your specific circumstances before making any decisions regarding tax debts, insolvency, or related matters. Tax Assure and its guests disclaim any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this video. Chapters: 00:00 – Meet Tax Assure’s Senior Advisers 00:41 – Helping People Resolve ATO Tax Debt 01:38 – Why Every ATO Tax Debt Case Is Different 02:22 – Supporting Businesses Across Different Industries 03:38 – Negotiating Sustainable ATO Payment Plans 05:45 – Understanding ATO Expectations and Negotiation 06:31 – What to Do When the ATO Says No 08:02 – A Client Success Story: $230,000 in Interest Remission 09:29 – What Is General Interest Charge (GIC) Remission? 11:20 – Overcoming Tax Debt and Knowing Where to Start 15:26 – Can Tax Assure Help With Small or Large ATO Debts?