Many farmers and regional communities are under increased pressure due to drought, floods, bushfires and storms. Tax Commissioner Michael D'Ascenzo is reminding people who are finding it difficult to meet their tax obligations that the Tax Office can offer assistance. The Tax Office understands the impact that extreme and unpredictable weather conditions can have on rural and regional communities and knows many farmers, businesses and individuals are unable to focus on their tax obligations at this time.
The Tax Office will help in any way they can, however, it does need farmers, businesses and tax agents who are experiencing difficulty to get in contact with them first. The Tax Office can help by:
- allowing more time to lodge activity statements or tax returns without incurring a penalty
- allowing additional time to pay tax debts without any interest charges
- arranging for tax debts to be paid in instalments
- remitting penalties or interest that may have been imposed, and
- fast tracking refunds.
People affected can contact the Tax Office for information or assistance on 13 11 42, or their tax agent can call 13 72 86 on their behalf.
