TPB announces assistance for tax practitioners impacted by bushfires

As bushfires continue to severely affect communities across Australia, the TPB has reviewed its registration renewal process during this period to ensure that no one impacted by the fires is disadvantaged.

“We are committed to ensuring that tax practitioners impacted directly or indirectly by the bushfires do not face the additional stress relating to their registration,” TPB chair Ian Klug AM said.

“If you or your business have been impacted by this disaster, you do not need to worry, we understand that the safety and security of yourself and your family will be your priority.”

The Australian Taxation Office has published a list of postcodes affected by the bushfires. If a tax practitioner’s business or residential address is in one of the impacted postcodes, the TPB said it will automatically allow tax practitioners more time to lodge their registration renewal.

If a tax practitioner has been impacted by the bushfires but their postcode has not been identified, they are encouraged to contact the TPB on 1300 362 829, when they are ready, to discuss individual circumstances.

The TPB cautioned that those who are not impacted by the fires, the registration processes and time frames remain unchanged.

In a separate statement issued by the ATO, the Tax Office assured impacted individuals that it will help them sort out their tax affairs at later time.

“If you, or anyone you know, has been affected by this disaster and need assistance, visit our dedicated webpage Bushfires 2019–20, or phone us on 1800 806 218 when you are ready,” it said.

For identified impacted postcodes, the ATO will automatically grant deferrals for lodgments and payments due.

“We recognise the ongoing effects of this disaster and will continue to update identified impacted postcodes. Even if your postcode is not listed, when you're ready and if you need assistance, you can phone our Emergency Support Infoline on 1800 806 218 for help,” the ATO has said.