In this episode of Small Firm, Big Impact, we unpack how the ATO manages remission of the General Interest Charge (GIC) and what it means for accounting firms and their clients. 

With rising cost pressures and increased scrutiny, GIC is becoming a bigger issue in practice. But how remission decisions are made, and why outcomes can vary, is not always clear. 

Our host, Lisa Lintern, is joined by Ruth Owen, Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman, who shares insights from a recent review into GIC remission, and the key issues raised by CA ANZ members. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

• How the ATO approaches GIC remission decisions 

• Why inconsistency occurs, and what’s changing 

• When practitioners should consider applying for remission 

• Practical ways to support clients facing growing GIC 

• What informal review options are available if decisions are declined 

Resources mentioned: 

• CA ANZ submission on GIC remission 

• Tax Ombudsman review into GIC remission 

• ATO changes to GIC remission (January 2026) 

• Visit the podcast page for more resources