The ATO has advised tax professionals if their practice has been affected by the floods and it needs practice-wide support to contact the office to negotiate a tailored support through its supported lodgement program.
Additionally, the ATO has said late lodgement for flood-affected clients will not affect the 85 per cent on-time lodgement performance measure.
As part of its support the ATO said it would offer a range of supports including:
- Giving extra time to pay tax or lodge tax forms such as activity statements or other forms
- Find your or your client’s tax file number (TFN) by verifying identity using key information such as date of birth, address and bank account details
- Reissue documents including income tax returns, activity statements and notices of assessment (for example if needed to access government payments or concessions)
- Help reconstruct tax records that are lost or damaged so you can claim entitlements including income tax deductions or access government payments
- Prioritise any refunds owed to you or your client
- Set up a payment plan tailored to your or your client’s individual situation
- Remit penalties or interest charged during the time you or your client have been affected
