The man worked at a consulting firm in Sydney and is alleged to have lodged false tax returns for unaware clients of the firm, even though he was not a registered tax professional.

He then allegedly redirected funds into his personal account, with the final amount being close to $1 million.

The man allegedly used his former company’s credentials to access the ATO’s Online Service for Agents and Online Service for Businesses for 11 years.

His Eastern Suburbs home was searched by the ATO and Australian Federal Police, where records and text messages that allegedly showed evidence of the preparation and submission of the false tax returns were found.

The consulting firm, which also hasn’t been identified, terminated the man’s employment once his allegedly fraudulent behaviour had been discovered.

Some taxpayers contacted by the ATO were unaware of any refunds being claimed in their name, or believed it was their firm’s trust account.