Automatic deferrals of one month are now in place for tax lodgement and payment dates for people in affected postcodes, while debt recovery action has been suspended until the end of May 2017.
Tax Commissioner Chris Jordan said taxpayers do not have to apply for a deferral or a faster refund if their business or residential address is one of the identified affected postcodes.
Mr Jordan said people outside the identified postcodes should contact the ATO if they are facing difficulties in meeting tax obligations.
“We understand that for many people, their tax affairs are the last thing on their minds right now. When people are ready, we will make sure they are supported in meeting their tax obligations,” he said.
The ATO will also offer support measures such as tailored repayment arrangements, remission of interest where appropriate and interest-free repayment arrangements for eligible small businesses.
Taxpayers facing serious hardship from the disaster may also be eligible for release from some or all of their tax debt.
The ATO can help reconstruct tax records in cases where documents have been destroyed.
It has also pledged to review the ongoing impact of these disasters and any further assistance that may be required by the affected communities.
