its the ATO, they called me from a blocked number and i didn't want to confirm any details to prove my identity. they said they were the ATO debt department and i should call back on that number. I was suss as all hell, but I ended up speaking to them as I have been working with my accountant to pay off my tax debt and this was a not unexpected call.

they put me through to other departments at the end of the call, so if they are scammers they are good.

This number IS legit. On the ATO website there are two numbers listed for the "Debt Early Intervention" section of the ATO. If you call either of these numbers, you WILL get the ATO. Ask them about whether the phone number you were told to call is theirs. Also, ask the ATO when they called you, as they keep a record of all outgoing calls made. I have just got off the phone with the ATO (Liam), who has verified the 1300 466 859 number. Hopefully my suggestion of listing that number on the web site with the others will be actioned.

Its not a scam. Its ATO early collections. I get calls from them all the time as I work at accountants office!

OK so I got a call from 1300 466 859. I didn't call back but checked my MyGov account, as someone recommended here, and found that my tax for last year was registered as still owing even though I had paid it months ago. Rang the ATO on the number they give on their website. Turns out I paid my tax into the wrong account. I asked about the phone number. At first the guy said it must be a scam because he searched ATO numbers and couldn't find it. But then he paused and said 'Oh ... hang on ... I think that is someone from another area ...'. Given he'd been through the ATO numbers and couldn't find it, I think it is actually some kind of debt collection agency the ATO has working for them. He said it wasn't a scam. I think the ATO people themselves are a bit confused because they look for the number amongst ATO numbers and can't find it, therefore they tell people it's a scam, which this guy did at first. I think many of them don't check further and don't realise it's these external people.

All of the 'this is not a scam' people seem to describe themselves as debt collectors.

https://www.ato.gov.au/Media-centre/Media-releases/Protect-yourself-against-phone-scams/

This is from the ATO website - it says to get the person's name and call back via 1800 008 540 (the general number for ATO).

ATO employee friend confirmed this was the correct number when I asked about a scammer who left a message telling me to call an 02 phone number. He said they do not leave normal numbers or threats on answering machines.

This is a scam, follow the ato website

1300 466 589 IS an ATO number - it's not a scam. Confirmed number with ATO.

actually we do, we have the general debt department and if we cant negotiate with you, your debt goes to Early collections where then its taken to Firmer actions or a debt collector. if you had half a brain you'd see this number on the ato website

1300 880 217 is the number for early debt intervention not this number .
Google it under ATO

Perhaps you should check your facts before jumping to conclusions and putting the fear into everyone. I've proven its actually legit!

Perhaps you should actually check your facts before responding!

Scam scam scam!!!!!

its not scam

You idiots its the ATO - Its not a scam. I have worked as a receptionist for a Tax Agent for 5 + years and talk to these numbsckulls on a daily basis. If you do not feel comfortable talking to the person, just call back the ATO call centre and they can confirm it. As for the rest of you, get over yourselves its not a scam. That number anyway.
There is PLENTY of ATO scammers though at the moment - so I would not risk giving anyone any details without calling back the call centre directly.

100% scam!!!!

I feel sorry for when they ganrishee you then, perhaps you best get your accountant to check again..

Hey, d*ckhead, open up the "white pages", locate the ATO switchboard number, d*ckhead, and ask them if this number belongs to them....................d*ckhead.

Actually Kim, it's not. I just rang them... I was late...