The uncertainty being created by the coronavirus has affected businesses across the country with supply chain disruptions and changing customer habits to minimise any potential contact with the virus. In response, the Australia Tax Office (ATO) has implemented a range of measures to assist individuals and businesses affected by the outbreak.
The Australia Tax Office (ATO) has implemented a range of measures to assist businesses and individuals affected by the outbreak and is encouraging anyone experiencing difficulties in meeting their tax obligations to get in contact and see what support measures might be possible.
Options available to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19 include:
- Deferring by up to four months the payment date of amounts due through the business activity statement (including PAYG instalments), income tax assessments, fringe benefits tax assessments and excise
- Allow businesses on a quarterly reporting cycle to opt into monthly GST reporting in order to get quicker access to GST refunds they may be entitled to
- Allowing businesses to vary Pay As You Go (PAYG) instalment amounts to zero for the March 2020 quarter. Businesses that vary their PAYG instalment to zero can also claim a refund for any instalments made for the September 2019 and December 2019 quarters
- Remitting any interest and penalties, incurred on or after 23 January 2020, that have been applied to tax liabilities
- Working with affected businesses to help them pay their existing and ongoing tax liabilities by allowing them to enter into low-interest payment plans.
Please contact Caroline at TaxGo if you have any concerns.