Become a Facebook fan of the taxman
- — 07 July, 2010 16:17
One financial year has ended and another begun. That means that, once again, it's time to dig out your boxes of receipts, tally your expenses and figure out if you can claim a couple of bottles of scotch after reviewing a breathalyser. The Australian Taxation Office has helpfully sent out an e-mail notice letting people know that E-tax 2010 — the handy software package for submitting your tax return as long as you aren't using a Mac or a Linux PC — is available.
So far, all well and good. But, like corporations and other large organisations, the ATO is striving to find new ways to communicate with its, erm, 'customers' through the use of social media. You can follow the ATO on Twitter, which is we think is fine. But will any of your friends still speak to you if you become a fan of 'Lodge your Australian tax return online using e-tax' on Facebook? We're not so sure. Social media is a great way to build brand loyalty, but we think the ATO will have a tough slog of it. (1053 people can't be wrong. Or do they all work for the ATO?)
Stevo the devo
Wed 07/07/2010 - 20:53
I think that its good that the ATO are making an effort to engage with an otherwise disenfranchised 'client' base.
Not too many other AUS government agencies on Twitter/Facebook etc. In such a risk adverse organisation, I'm suprised they are on there at all.
In regards to the Mac issue, lets just get over it... It's been 10+ years already, I wouldn't be crossing my fingers anytime soon for a multi-platform solution. We are more likely not have to lodge a return anymore before a MAC becomes available.
In the meantime, I would rather my tax dollars be spent on catching tax cheats, rather than satisfying the need to lodge electronically for a 'vocal minority' who will on;y use it once a year. Mac users - you made your choice, style over compatability. Plenty of other options available out there, e.g. tax agent/ accountant. Or how about this for a concept - put pen to paper and lodge that way!