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23/03/2007 ATO Deputy Commissioner Outlines ATO Working With the Tax Profession Understanding Tax Practitioners - Research with Bookkeepers 2006-07   Research is underway to help us gain a clear understanding of the world of  bookkeepers.  Research into the role that bookkeepers perform in the operation of the tax system first commenced in 2004. Since that time the Tax Office has continued to explore and gain an understanding of this role including the needs and concerns of the people performing bookkeeping services. Research into the state of the bookkeeping industry for 2006–07 commenced in November 2006. This research has been co-designed with a number of bookkeeper associations (the Institute is one of these associations) and will monitor trends from previous research and includes a focus on bookkeepers employed in general business. How will this research be conducted? The research will consist of both qualitative and quantitative phases. For the qualitative phase, bookkeepers were contacted by telepone with an invitation to participate in focus groups during November 2006. During the quantitative phase, in March 2007, a questionnaire will be mailed to randomly selected bookkeepers. This research is being conducted on behalf of the Tax Office by an external research organisation, Taylor Nelson Sofres Australia (TNS). This survey has approval from the Australian Government Statistical Clearing House (approval number 01907-01). All research responses are confidential and neither individuals nor businesses are indentified in the report provided to the Tax Office. Participation in this research is voluntary. If you would like any more information about the research: phone 13 28 69 between 8.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, and ask for Angela Emblen-Reeves on extension 99488, or email the Tax Office at angela.emblen-reeves@ato.gov.au Published:    21 March  2007