ATO issues $1,650 fine to 97-year-old woman who had not ‘prioritised tax obligations’ after husband’s death
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) fined a 97-year-old woman $1,650 for late tax lodgement following her husband's death. The penalty was overturned after her accountant highlighted the situation on LinkedIn, prompting criticism from the tax ombudsman. The ATO has since apologized for the incident, acknowledging the need for better communication and understanding of personal circumstances.
- ▪The ATO fined a 97-year-old Brisbane woman for not prioritizing her tax obligations after her husband's death.
- ▪The penalty was reversed after her accountant posted about the incident on LinkedIn, attracting attention from industry associations.
- ▪The tax ombudsman criticized the ATO for failing to consider personal circumstances in their decision-making.
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The ATO only overturned the penalty after the woman’s accountant posted details of the incident on LinkedIn. Photograph: Sneksy/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenThe ATO only overturned the penalty after the woman’s accountant posted details of the incident on LinkedIn. Photograph: Sneksy/Getty ImagesTaxATO issues $1,650 fine to 97-year-old woman who had not ‘prioritised tax obligations’ after husband’s deathTax office apologises as ombudsman delivers stinging criticism, saying ‘ATO won’t learn unless people highlight the mistakes’ Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Jonathan Barrett Business editorWed 20 May 2026 11.00 EDTLast modified on Wed 20 May 2026 11.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe Australian Taxation Office fined a 97-year-old Brisbane woman…
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