Karen Payne

Background

About Karen Payne

The Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman (IGTO) is an independent, Commonwealth statutory agency, established in 2003. The IGTO is an integrity agency with oversight of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). The Taxation Ombudsman function (operating in Australia since 1995) was transferred to the IGTO in 2015. Since 2015, the IGTO has performed dual roles, which complement each other. The IGTO provides independent assurance, assistance and advice to: improve accountability for tax decisions that affect taxpayers; ensure administrative actions and decisions are fair and transparent; improve taxation administration systems for the community; encourage voluntary compliance by supporting confidence in Australia’s taxation systems Independent investigation of taxpayer complaints enhances community confidence in the fairness of the tax system and provides assurance to taxpayers in the fairness of their outcomes. This helps to enhance voluntary compliance. The IGTO also provides independent advice and assurance to Government on the taxation administration laws and systems. Previously, the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Taxation and member of the Board of Taxation (a non-statutory advisory board, reporting to Government). Previously, a partner with Minter Ellison (a large Australian legal practice) specialising in corporate and international tax. Extensive experience managing complex tax-related matters for major multinationals, publicly listed companies and other Australian entities across the financial services, property, mining, energy and utilities sectors. Key expertise includes taxation due diligence and structuring for corporate mergers, reorganisations, takeovers and acquisitions, including cross-border finance arrangements, debt, equity and thin capitalisation provisions and global loan facilities. Professional qualifications include - Solicitor (admitted in New South Wales), Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and New Zealand, Chartered Tax Adviser (Taxation Institute of Australia) and Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Specialties: Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial services including managed investment trusts, private equity and stapled property vehicles, mining, energy & resources