This is an extension of my last topic "Letter To The Assitnant Treasurer" yes I botched the spelling.
I received a letter from the ATO and i'm sure you can guess what they're hiding behind now…
Dear Mr x
Thank you for your email of 28 October 2008 concerning the taxation status of the Church of Scientology.
I advise that the secrecy provisions of the taxation laws prevent me or any other tax officer from disclosing any information concerning the tax affairs of individuals and organisations to unauthorised third parties. However, I am able to provide some general information about the concessional status of exempt organisations and charitable institutions in particular.
The income tax law provides that only certain types of non-profit organisations are exempt, which means that the organisation must not operate for the direct or indirect profit or gain of its individual members, both while the organisation is operating and when it winds up. This must be reflected in the organisation's governing documents and in its actions.
Whilst a non-profit organisation can still make a profit, this profit must be used to carry out its purposes and must not be distributed to owners, members or other private people.
Although certain non-charitable organisations, such as cultural organisations and sports organisations which may be eligible for income tax exemption, can self-asssess their entitlement to concessional status, charitable organisations cannot self-assess their income tax exemption.
Since 1 July 2000, charitable institutions (which includes most religious organisations) are required to be endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in order to be eligible for income tax exemption and since 1 July 2005, for goods and services tax and fringe benefits tax concessions.
The ATO is also required to carry out regular reviews of endorsed organisations and their operations to ensure they continue to meet the requirements of endorsement.
The Australian business register (ABR) publicly displays relevant details about deductible gift recipients and charities that have been endorsed, including charity type, the carity tax concessions available, and the date of effect for each endorsement. The ABR can be accessed on the internet at http://www.abr.gov.au.
Your personal views on the Church of Scientology and the High Court's decision relating thereto are noted, however they have no bearing on the Scientologists' entitlement to their endorsement.
I conclude by thanking you for your concerns and should you ahve any information which may assist the ATO in future, to forward such information to
Tax Evasion Referral Centre
Locked Bag 6050
Dandenong VIC 3175
Or freecall 1800 060 062 – fax freecall 1800 804 544.
I trust this information is of assistance to you.
If you wish to discuss this matter please phone Phil Beck on 08-92685945 and quote reference number xxxxxx.
Yours faithfully
Mark Konza
Deputy Commissioner of Taxation
Per
(Phil Beck)
What a load of shit. They've avoided important questions due to privacy laws. Pretty much he's stating that he can't tell me dick due to privacy laws. Why will the ATO not reveal their endorsement reasons? We don't want account names and numbers, we want reasons not information disclosed between parties. We want the reason WHY THE ATO endorses Scientology. It's a poke in the fire that's sweltered but i'll keep on pokin'….
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