The bushfires have had a devastating affect across Australia since late 2019 and into 2020 and our thoughts are with everyone that has been impacted.
It is important to know that the ATO has provided automatic tax deferral’s for businesses and individuals that have been impacted as it understands that your priority is your family and community.
If your business or residential address is in one of the identified bushfire impacted postcodes on the ATO’s dedicated Bushfires 2019–20 page you do not need to apply for these deferrals.
In addition, the ATO have automatically fast-tracked refunds if you are within one of these post codes and have one due.
Where to start if you have been impacted
If you are affected but not on the list, you can call the ATO’s Emergency Support Infoline on 1800 806 218 for assistance. The ATO have advised that income tax returns, activity statements, SMSF and FBT lodgements (together with the associated payments) will be deferred until 28 May 2020.
The ATO listed different supports that are available to you such as:
- assistance locating your lost tax file number (TFN);
- re-issuing income tax returns, activity statements, and notices of assessments;
- helping you re-construct tax records lost or damaged in the bushfire;
- fast track any refunds you are owed;
- setting up a payment plan;
- remission of penalties/ interest charged during the time you have been affected by the bushfires.
If you are impacted by the bushfires but are not in an identified postcode, call us or the ATO’s Registered Agent Natural Disaster Infoline 1800 700 724 for help based on your circumstances.
In addition to the above resources, the Australian government is offering counseling and additional mental health assistance to affected individuals, families and emergency workers that have been affected by the bushfires.
Access is being provided to free mental health support sessions and Medicare rebates through GPs for counseling sessions with a mental health professional. Visit the National Bushfire Recovery Agency website to locate the key State and Federal contacts that are relevant to your location.
