ATO Resumes Correspondence With Bushfire Areas

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

13 May 2009

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has advised that correspondence to bushfire affected areas of Victoria will return to normal from May 18.

Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo said the Tax Office is now resuming all correspondence to people and businesses in affected areas.

The Tax Office stopped correspondence and extended due dates for lodgements when the bushfires occurred in February.

“Correspondence may include contacting people about debt and outstanding lodgements,” Mr D’Ascenzo explained, adding:

“If you have been affected by the bushfires and receive any correspondence from us that you’re not ready to deal with, please contact us and we’ll make special arrangements for you."

“Similarly, if you are expecting something from us and you haven’t received it please call us.”

The Tax Office has explained that it can also help people and businesses reconstruct financial records destroyed by natural disasters for no fee.

Other ways the Tax Office can help people in affected areas include:

• fast tracking refunds;
• giving people extra time to pay debts – without interest charges;
• giving more time to meet activity and other lodgement obligations without penalty; and
• helping them claim tax hardship concessions.

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