The Tax Office is offering assistance to businesses directly affected by equine influenza and the resulting quarantine measures.

Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo has reassured people affected that we will work with them during this difficult time to help them meet their tax obligations.

“We understand that equine influenza has directly affected the income of many people involved in the horse and related industries,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.

“Anyone who is having problems meeting their tax obligations should call us as soon as possible on 13 11 42 so we can make arrangements to suit their individual circumstances.

“Your tax agent can also contact us on your behalf by calling 13 72 86 fast key code 1 2 2.”

The Tax Office can help by:

• fast tracking refunds

• giving extra time to pay debts – without interest charges

• arranging for tax debts to be paid in instalments

• waiving any penalties or interest that may have been imposed, and

• considering waiving the general interest charge in some super guarantee cases.

Lodgment

Even if you can’t pay the amount owning in your activity statement, it’s important to make every attempt to lodge it by the due date. Call the Tax Office’s account management information line on 13 11 42 to work out a payment arrangement that suits your circumstances.

If you pay your PAYG by instalments you may want to make a variation to that amount in your next activity statement to accurately reflect your tax liability for the income year.

A detailed fact sheet on how you can vary your PAYG instalments is available from our website www.ato.gov.au or by calling our account management information line on 13 11 42.

Serious hardship

If you’re concerned that paying a tax debt will cause serious hardship you can apply in writing to the Commissioner of Taxation to be released from paying certain taxes, including income tax and fringe benefits tax.

More information on serious hardship and the application for release from payment of some taxation liabilities form is available on our website www.ato.gov.au or by calling our account management information line on 13 11 42.

More information:

Detailed fact sheets for businesses and individuals having trouble meeting their tax obligations are also available from www.ato.gov.au including:

�� Difficulty in paying your tax debt (business clients)

This fact sheet outlines what to do if you are having trouble meeting your business tax obligations.

�� Difficulty in paying your tax debt (individual clients)

This fact sheet outlines what you need to do if you are having trouble meeting your personal tax obligations.