ATO given clear legal advice before launching ‘robotax’ debt campaign

Office told that ‘all debts must be offset’ referring to offsetting taxpayers’ arrears against future refunds and credits

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The Australian Taxation Office received “clear advice” from the government’s chief legal adviser before launching a campaign to resurrect historical debts that caused widespread confusion and distress.

Meanwhile, the federal government has distanced itself from the tax initiative, arguing that decisions and processes related to the debts were a matter for the ATO.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup