ATO grants two month deferral for bushfire victims in New South Wales and Queensland

Wayne StaalHow to save tax, Small Business

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) announced that it will grant a two month lodgment and payment deferral to taxpayers impacted by the recent catastrophic bushfires in New South Wales and Queensland.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Andrew Watson said that people affected by the fires should focus on getting their other affairs in order and not worry about their tax obligations at this time.

“We have applied automatic lodgment and payment deferrals to postcodes impacted by the fires, meaning if you’ve been impacted by the fires you don’t need to contact the ATO or your tax professional – we’ve already done it for you,” Mr Watson said.

Automatic deferrals have been put in place for the following 16 local government areas impacted by the bushfires:

  • New South Wales
    • Bellingen
    • Clarence Valley
    • Coffs Harbour
    • Glen Innes
    • Severn
    • Kempsey
    • Inverell
    • Mid Coast
    • Nambucca
    • Port Macquarie-Hastings
    • Richmond Valley
    • Tenterfield
    • Uralla
    • Walcha
  • Queensland
    • Noosa
    • Livingstone

Automatic deferrals do not apply to large pay as you go withholders.

The ATO is also reminding business owners at this time that it is critical to keep their Australian business number (ABN) information up to date, as it is:

  • used by Emergency Services and other government agencies during times of natural disaster
  • used by the Government to identify where financial disaster relief is needed to help businesses recover in disaster affected areas, and
  • likely to be checked if they are applying for a grant or loan for their business.

Business owners can access, change or cancel their ABN details online at abr.gov.auExternal Link. All changes made to their ABN online will take effect immediately.

The ATO has more information about help and support options on its website:
ato.gov.au/NaturalDisasters

To read the complete media release from the ATO click here.

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