@AriATO thanks for getting back to me.
My dad did raise some concerns about sharing his TFN with the company and they sent him a letter that details they will use his TFN to obtain tax return records from the ATO to confirm his employment details. They have not asked my dad to fill out any forms or sign anything as yet, but to verbally disclose his TFN over the phone.
Can a third party request individual tax records from the ATO without signed consent from the individual?
This is what they have written in their letter to my dad about requiring his TFN:
"We require your TFN as your tax records are used as proof of employment and are required by the insurance company to consider your claim.
From our experience, the more detailed the Work History and verification, the better the prospect of making a successful claim.
Our experienced and dedicated client service team will call you as soon as your Tax Returns are received from the Australian Taxation Office and will guide you through the Work History process. Please bear in mind that the retrieval of the taxation records may take between 30 to 40 days.
Please note that your documents will be kept in paper and/or electronic form in accordance with relevant laws, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and/or the Health Records and Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) and to ensure that all principals and employees of I.H.S and any other persons contracted throughout the course of the claim also comply with the legislation and maintain confidentiality.
In some instances, it may be necessary to engage the services of third parties such as agent solicitors, accountants, paralegals and other administrative assistants (outsourced) and that I.H.S can forward his/her information, on a confidential basis, to such parties to assist with the claim."
Author: CaroATO(Community Support)Community Support 16 June 2023
Hi @Clueless769,
You're so right in checking this!
When we look at the website for the Australian Information Commissioner, it talks about your TFN can't be used or disclosed to match information about you except if it's for tax, super or personal assistance. Your insurance could fall under the personal assistance category.
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