Being a smart taxpayer means knowing what resources are available to you and understanding how the ATO deals with individuals as tax problems arise. Here are three simple things all individuals can do to help keep their tax affairs as stress-free as possible this tax time.

Sometimes, the way we approach tax matters can end up making a big difference to our bottom line and stress levels. Here are three tips to help individual taxpayers achieve a better outcome when lodging and dealing with the ATO.

If you're experiencing financial difficulties, there are a number of ways the ATO can assist. If you can't pay your tax bill, the ATO encourages you to contact them early to discuss your options. This might include:

Not only will you show the ATO that you're aware of your obligations and making an effort to comply, you'll avoid penalties for non-lodgment.

No one wants to be audited, so it pays to know the "red flags" the ATO looks for when analysing its increasingly vast data sources. Understanding these risk areas can also help you self-identify any mistakes you might have accidentally made, or areas where it's worth getting professional tax advice. For individuals, the ATO looks closely for:

There are many options for resolving tax disputes, ranging from lodging an objection, seeking external review, alternative dispute resolution and litigation. However, the ATO wants to resolve tax disputes quickly and fairly. It says in the last five years, there has been a 60% reduction in Administrative Appeals Tribunal applications made by taxpayers against its decisions.

To achieve an efficient resolution, individual taxpayers should consider taking advantage of the ATO's "in-house" facilitation service. This gives individuals (and small businesses) free access to an impartial ATO mediator who will take the taxpayer and ATO case officers through the issues in dispute and attempt to reach a resolution. It's a voluntary process and can be undertaken at any time from the early audit stage up to and including the litigation stage. If the mediation fails, your usual review and appeal rights aren't affected at all. It may not solve the problem in every case, but if the facilitation is successful it could save you time, stress and money.

We're here to support you in all of your dealings with the ATO. Whether it's an unpaid tax debt, a disputed assessment or a complicated deduction you're just not sure about claiming, our experts will guide you every step of the way and help you achieve the best possible outcome.