Misinformation vs Disinformation: Know the Difference for Tax Safety

• tax-education
• misinformation
• online-safety

Understand the risks of acting on false tax or superannuation advice. Learn how to identify, verify, and report misinformation and disinformation.

Understanding Misinformation and Disinformation

When it comes to your tax and superannuation obligations in Australia, trusting the wrong information can lead to serious consequences. That's why it's vital to understand the difference between misinformation and disinformation – and how to protect yourself from both.

What is Misinformation?

Misinformation is false or inaccurate information that is not intended to cause harm. It’s often shared by people who believe it's true, but haven’t verified it. This can include innocent social media posts, poorly researched blogs, or outdated advice from non-experts.

What is Disinformation?

Disinformation is false or misleading information that’s deliberately created and spread to deceive or cause harm. In the tax and super context, disinformation can be extremely dangerous and may come from individuals or groups seeking to manipulate or exploit others.

Why It Matters for Tax and Super

Acting on either misinformation or disinformation about tax or super can result in:

• Penalties and fines
• Prosecution for participating in illegal schemes
• Loss of your financial security

To stay safe, only act on information from trusted sources such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or a registered tax or super professional.

Where You Might Encounter False Information

• Unqualified influencers offering 'free expert advice'
• Dodgy websites or unofficial government pages (URLs not ending in .gov.au)
• Fake news or viral social media posts
• Scams involving ATO impersonation
• AI-generated content that hasn’t been verified
• Claims that tax is voluntary or the ATO has no authority

How to Verify Information

Before taking any action, check tax and super information with the following sources:

• ATO website: ato.gov.au – the official source for all tax and super guidance
• Registered professionals: Use the Tax Practitioners Board or ASIC registers to confirm legitimacy
• Super fund websites: Always refer to your fund’s official site for accurate information

How to Report Misinformation or Disinformation

If you spot false information being shared, you can report it to the ATO by:

• Filling out the tip-off form on the ATO website or ATO app
• Calling 1800 060 062

Provide as many details as possible, such as:

• The content or claim being made
• Where it was published or promoted
• Links, screenshots, or names of people or organisations involved

Stay Informed and Stay Safe

Don’t let misinformation or disinformation derail your tax or super. Stay vigilant, question the source, and when in doubt, check with the ATO or a qualified expert. Your financial wellbeing depends on the accuracy of the information you trust.