ATO turning up the heat on tax cheats

Tax commissioner Chris Jordan is turning up the heat on companies trying to avoid paying taxes by "gaming the system" through delay and obstruction.

Mr Jordan said the companies had pushed the envelope beyond reasonableness, forcing the ATO to draw a line under protracted negotiations, which may result in court action.

"Enough is enough ... how is it possible that companies known for their new-age technology and innovative products and services fail to be able to furnish us with basic reports," he told a Senate estimates hearing on Wednesday.

Mr Jordan was taking aim at 26 companies being reviewed under the new multinational anti-avoidance laws.

Some of these were foreign companies that argued they had no tax liability in Australia.

These companies were given 90 days notice to produce necessary documentation to back their claims, only then to make a variety excuses for a further delay.

"It's just gone over the top," Mr Jordan said.