Findings have been released from a follow-up survey conducted with participants of theAustralian Taxation Office’s (ATO) initiative, entitled The Non-Profit News Service.

Respondents said that the verbal information given by tax officers was useful because it was summarised and tailored to their circumstances.

The findings also suggested that, through the goodwill engendered, such information also increased the willingness of not-for-profits to comply with their tax obligations.

Some specific comments made were:

• The free email update service was very useful; it provided updates about the disaster relief for the Queensland floods.
• The internet site needs to be more user-friendly.
• It would be useful to provide a summary follow up email to clarify all the information discussed.
• The follow up service was excellent; the information received made it clearer and better.

The ATO is exploring ways to address issues raised by those surveyed in relation to navigation of the website and marketing of the information line.