Tax Extension Granted For Australian Bushfire Victims

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

07 April 2009

Australia's Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo has announced that the people affected by recent floods in Queensland and northern New South Wales or the Victorian bushfires will be given extra time to lodge their fringe benefits tax returns and make any payments.

Giving details of the move, Mr D'Ascenzo announced:

“I have extended the due date for lodgement and payment of FBT returns until June 25, 2009."

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) previously announced that it would extend due dates for activity statements, superannuation guarantee charge statements and 2007-08 income tax returns for people and businesses in disaster affected areas.

“If people are concerned about their tax affairs in any way they should call us when they are ready and we can discuss their circumstances and the best way to help,” D'Ascenzo added.

The Commissioner has extended the following due dates for people and businesses in affected areas:

• lodgement and payment of the January, February and March monthly activity statements to May 21, 2009;
• lodgement and payment of the December and March quarterly activity statements to May 28, 2009;
• lodgement of superannuation guarantee charge statements for the December quarter to May 28, 2009;
• lodgement of FBT returns and payment of any FBT owing, to June 25, 2009; and
• lodgement of 2007-08 income tax returns to June 30, 2010 so people in affected areas can receive their tax bonus.

The Tax Office can also help by:

• fast tracking refunds;
• giving people extra time to pay debts without interest charges;
• giving people more time to meet activity statement, income tax and other lodgement obligations without penalties;
• helping reconstruct tax records where documents have been destroyed, and make reasonable estimates where necessary; and
• helping people who are experiencing serious hardship.

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