ATO Offers Additional Tax Help For Natural Disaster Victims

by Mary Swire, Tax-News.com, Hong Kong

25 February 2009

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced further practical help for people and businesses affected by the Victorian bushfires or the Queensland or New South Wales floods.

Earlier this month, the ATO announced that it would give people in affected areas until June 30, 2010, to lodge their 2007-08 tax return, and help those who no longer have records to make a reasonable assessment.

Further to this, on February 23, Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo commented again that he understands that, for many people and businesses affected, their tax affairs are the furthest thing from their minds.

“That’s the way it should be. But when they’re ready, there are some special arrangements in place to ensure people get the help they need.”

The Tax Office has set-up a dedicated emergency support info line.

“People can call us when they are ready and we can discuss their circumstances and the best way to help them", Mr D'Ascenzo assured, adding:

“In the meantime, we have stopped sending activity statements to the addresses we have in affected areas."

“I have extended the due dates for people and small businesses in affected areas who usually lodge and pay monthly business activity statements in late February, March and April to May 21, 2009", he continued, further stating:

“I have also extended the due date for lodgement and payment of all quarterly business activity statements normally due on February 28 and April 28, to May 28, 2009."

“This means that for the next few months affected people and small businesses won’t have to worry about lodging and paying activity statements."

“However, if people still require an activity statement (for example, so that they can obtain a refund) they should call the Tax Office.” Mr D’Ascenzo concluded.

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