FBT annual returns automatically deferred to end-June

The lodgment and payment due date for all 2019–20 fringe benefits tax (FBT) annual returns not already lodged has been automatically deferred to 25 June 2020, the ATO has announced. 

"This recognises the impacts that COVID-19 has had for you and your clients," the Tax Office said in a statement. 

Tax practitioners are, however, being advised to keep up to date with their clients' FBT requirements. 

"You can request an FBT client list through Practice mail in Online services for agents. Select the fringe benefits tax topic and Agent request for electronic FBT client list subject.

"This will help you check which of your clients need to lodge a 2020 FBT return or lodge a non-lodgment advice," the ATO said. 

The ATO advised that if a client does not need to lodge an FBT return for 2020, the tax agent must notify the ATO as possible to avoid processing delays.

"You can do this by attaching your client's FBT non-lodgment advice form to a Practice mail message, using the fringe benefits tax topic and FBT non-lodgment advice subject".