Tax help for people affected by recent bushfires

Tax help for people affected by recent bushfires

Tax help for people affected by recent bushfires

The ATO have advised that for people affected by the recent Victorian and Western Australian refunds will be fast-tracked and they will receive additional time to lodge income tax returns and activity statements.

Victoria

For people within Wye River and Separation Creek, Victoria (postcode 3234), the ATO has automatically deferred the lodgment and payment dates (excluding large pay as you go withholders) for income tax returns due between January and March 2016, and for activity statements due in December 2015, January or February 2016. The new lodgment date is 28 April 2016.

Western Australia

For people within Yarloop (postcode 6218), the ATO has automatically deferred the lodgment and payment dates (excluding large pay as you go withholders) for income tax returns due bewtween January and march 2016, and for activity statements due in December 2015, January or February 2016. The new lodgment date is 28 April 2016.

Tax Commissioner Chris Jordan said taxpayers do not need to apply for a deferral or a faster refund.

“If your business or residential address is in one of the identified affected postcodes it will happen automatically. You can visit our website to see the new lodgment dates and check if your region is included. Further postcodes may be added as needed, so check our website for more information,” Mr Jordan said.

“People outside of the identified postcodes that have been impacted by the disaster are still able to contact us for assistance on 1800 806 218. If you are experiencing any difficulties meeting your tax obligations, please contact us so we can assist.

The ATO can also provide more time for people to pay tax debts and can help reconstruct tax records where documents have been destroyed.

For more information about destroyed records and exemptions please visit.