ATO website outlines support and tax relief for bushfire victims

The ATO has provided details about support offered to victims of the Australian bushfires which have devastated so many communities. It is nice to see them try and support people impacted to reduce any distraction or worry related to their taxation requirements in these tough times.

The ATO have said that they will look to support and help in some of the following ways:

• give you extra time to pay your debt or lodge tax forms such as activity statements
• help you find your lost tax file number (TFN) by using methods to verify your identity such as your date of birth, address and bank account details
• re-issue income tax returns, activity statements and notices of assessment
• help you re-construct tax records that are lost or damaged
• fast track any refunds owed
• set up a payment plan tailored to your individual circumstances including interest-free period
• remit penalties or interest charged during the time you have been affected.

For full details of the support available, you should check out the ATO post at the following web address: https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Dealing-with-disasters/In-detail/Specific-disasters/Bushfires-2019-20/

The ATO have noted “For identified impacted postcodes, we’ll automatically grant deferrals for lodgments and payments due. You or your agent don’t need to apply for these deferrals.” To see if you are automatically included by way of your residential address a list of impacted postcodes by state are available below:

• Queensland
• New South Wales
• South Australia
• Victoria

If you have been impacted and your postcode is not on the list then you can contact the ATO Emergency Support Infoline on 1800 806 218.

Should you need any assistance then please contact the Pekada team and we will be happy to assist. Stay safe.