I have been reflecting heavily over the past few weeks about the incomprehensible condition our country is in.  I saw first hand, as we travelled through eastern NSW over the Christmas period the destructive path that the fires have created, all too close to my in-law’s home. 

I also reflect on how lucky I am to live in Southern South Australia, where rain is a plenty, our homes are safe, we don’t have any water restrictions in place and enjoy cool, moderate temperatures most of the year.  Now I was the first to complain about the rain and the cold but with our country on fire, I won’t be doing this anymore. 

I feel strongly compelled to help fellow businesses in these times of extreme hardship and so I am offering to businesses in bush fire affected areas, to prepare and lodge their next Business Activity Statement FREE OF CHARGE (terms and conditions apply).

If you would like assistance please send me a message, email or phone and I would love to discuss how I can assist.

I also wanted to collate and share some information for those businesses affected by the fires, that aims to outline the support that has been put in place by the statutory bodies.

ATO

“We don’t want you to be concerned about your tax affairs. Now is the time for you, your family and community. We’ll help you sort out your tax affairs later.”

This is the position taken by the ATO on their website.  They have rolled out the following provisions to help with the compliance burden:

  • give you extra time to pay your debt or lodge tax forms such as activity statements
  • help you find your lost tax file number (TFN) by using methods to verify your identity such as your date of birth, address and bank account details
  • re-issue income tax returns, activity statements and notices of assessment
  • help you re-construct tax records that are lost or damaged
  • fast track any refunds owed
  • set up a payment plan tailored to your individual circumstances including interest-free period
  • remit penalties or interest charged during the time you have been affected.

Depending on your area and from the date your business has been impacted, the ATO is automatically granting a two-month deferral for activity statement lodgements and payments. The ATO are also offering fast tracked refunds on activity statements

Head to https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Dealing-with-disasters/In-detail/Specific-disasters/Bushfires-November-2019/ for further information

Superannuation

Unfortunately there are no support provisions in place for superannuation commitments.  Businesses will still need to meet their super guarantee obligations – the ATO are unable to vary the contribution due date or waive the super guarantee charge on late super guarantee payments.  

However you may be able to enter a payment plan.  For further information head to https://www.ato.gov.au/business/super-for-employers/paying-super-contributions/missed-and-late-payments/employers-affected-by-disaster/

Superannuation payments for the Oct to Dec 2019 quarter are due on 28 January 2020.

Payroll Tax

South Australia

No specific support provisions or concessions in place

Monthly returns due dates are as follows:

PeriodDue date
December 2019Tuesday, 14 January 2020
January 2020Friday, 7 February 2020
February 2020Tuesday, 10 March 2020
March 2020Tuesday, 7 April 2020
April 2020Thursday, 7 May 2020
May 2020Tuesday, 9 June 2020

Victoria

No specific support provisions or concessions in place

Monthly returns due dates are as follows:

PeriodDue date
December 2019Tuesday, 7 January 2020
January 2020Friday, 7 February 2020
February 2020Tuesday, 10 March 2020
March 2020Tuesday, 7 April 2020
April 2020Thursday, 7 May 2020
May 2020Tuesday, 9 June 2020

New South Wales

Wages – excluding certain leave payments – paid to an employee  while volunteering with the Rural Fire Service (RFS), or an emergency services organisation, will be exempt from payroll tax in NSW – https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/news-media-releases/payroll-tax-exemptions-during-fire-emergencies

Monthly returns due dates are as follows:

PeriodDue date
December 2019Tuesday, 14 January 2020
January 2020Friday, 7 February 2020
February 2020Tuesday, 10 March 2020
March 2020Tuesday, 7 April 2020
April 2020Thursday, 7 May 2020
May 2020Tuesday, 9 June 2020

Queensland

An online survey is available to help the Qld Government understand the impact of bushfire on your business.  https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/protecting-business/disaster-resilience/bushfires

Monthly returns due dates are as follows:

PeriodDue date
December 2019Tuesday, 14 January 2020
January 2020Friday, 7 February 2020
February 2020Tuesday, 10 March 2020
March 2020Tuesday, 7 April 2020
April 2020Thursday, 7 May 2020
May 2020Monday, 8 June 2020

Workers Compensation

No specific support provisions in place for SA, VIC or QLD

New South Wales

icare has provided a statement on their website, expressing their deepest sympathies to those affected by bush fires and have provided a number to call for those requiring assistance meeting their premium payments.  https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/news-and-stories/icare-stands-by-to-support-customers-impacted-by-bushfires/

Portable Long Service Leave – Building & Construction Industry Only

South Australia

No specific support provisions or concessions in place

Due Dates

PeriodDue date
November-December 201921st January 2020
January – February 202023rd March 2020
March-April 202021st May 2020
May-June 202021st July 2020

Victoria

No specific support provisions or concessions in place

PeriodDue date
Oct to Dec 201931 January 2020
January to March 202030 April 2020
April to June 202031 July 2020

New South Wales

No specific support provisions or concessions place. Annual lodgement cycle due 31 July 2020

Queensland

No specific support provisions or concessions place. Annual lodgement cycle due 31 July 2020

This blog has been created with the intent of providing general information. The information contained within this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional advice.

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