IBM to change Aust tax office

IBM has signed a three year, $14.3 million contract with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to assist in its Change Program.

IBM will provide technology-based mid-range software and services, including helping the ATO to replace and modernise its existing tax business systems.

Under the contract, IBM software will be used to support the Services Oriented Architecture (SOA), which is designed to integrate the ATO's web-based systems, commercial off-the-shelf software and legacy applications to encourage more customers to meet their tax responsibilities online.

ATO claims this will result in reduced administration costs for its customers.