The Tax Office is providing support to tax agents and their clients impacted by the NSW floods with the enforcement of flexible lodgement dates.
The ATO said to support agents and their clients, it had a range of options available to help them meet their obligations.
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“We encourage those who can lodge on time to do so, but where lodgment is not possible, clients or agents within the declared natural disaster areas as per Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment, will have until 26 June to lodge their obligations,” the ATO said.
The obligations captured by the extended 26 June deadline included May monthly BAS, with an original due date of 21 June and income tax returns for the 2023–24 income year for individuals and small businesses, with a current lodgement due date between 29 May and 26 June 2025.
Also included within this were individuals and small businesses that may have already had a lodgement deferral for the 2023–24 income tax return or May activity statement lodgement obligation.
The ATO said agents wouldn’t be penalised for lodging these obligations by the later date and, if a deferral had already been obtained, it would remain in place.
“These concessions automatically apply to agents and taxpayers identified as residing within the declared areas, only for those lodgments as listed above – so you don’t need to contact us for a deferral,” the ATO said.
“There’s an indicator on the accounts of affected clients, which you can identify by running an on-demand outstanding lodgment report for either income tax or activity statements in online services for agents, or through practice management software.”
The ATO said that despite the lodgement date being extended to 26 June, the payment due date for all obligations had not changed and general interest charge would apply if payments were not made by the original, specified date.
“If your client is not able to pay by the due date, contact us to discuss their options. We will take an empathetic approach to your situation,” ATO said.
Imogen Wilson
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Imogen Wilson is a journalist at Accountants Daily and Accounting Times, the leading sources of news, insight, and educational content for professionals in the accounting sector. Imogen is also the host of the Accountants Daily Podcasts, Under the Hood and Accountants Daily Insider.
Previously, Imogen has worked in broadcast journalism at NOVA 93.7 Perth and Channel 7 Perth. She has multi-platform experience in writing, radio, TV presenting, podcast hosting and production.
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