Can the ABS collect this data from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)?
The ABS is currently examining Business Activity Statement data to determine whether we can incorporate this data to improve our quarterly indicators of economic activity. These investigations need to take account of the data items and their consistency with National Accounts concepts, their level of detail, reliability and timeliness. The ABS utilises ATO data, and data from other State and Federal organisations, in existing survey estimates. ATO data are used by the ABS to update its business register, obviating the need to survey new businesses, while ATO income tax data are used to supplement data that the ABS collects in its annual economic activity surveys. These developments will result in a reduction in the number of businesses required to provide data directly to the ABS, and thereby reduce the overall reporting load. There is only a one-way flow of information from the ATO to the ABS and no information on individual businesses goes back to the ATO. Data provided to the ABS re
