The tax office is being helpful to anyone affected by the floods.

The tax commissioner said on 14 January 2011 “look after yourself, your family, community and property first and don’t worry about tax – we can sort things out later”.

If any taxpayers reside in Queensland, The Tweed area of north-east New South Wales, or any of the other flood affected postcodes identified on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website, the ATO will automatically defer the lodgement and payment date for December monthly activity statements originally due 21 January 2011 to 21 February 2011.  You do not need to apply for a deferral, and if later deferrals have already been granted, these still apply.

This automatic deferral provides a later deferred due date than the agent self-assessed deferrals and takes their place for these obligations.  If you need further additional time to lodge and pay you will need to contact the ATO.  Similarly, if you face other lodgement or payment obligations in the coming weeks and you need additional time, phone the ATO on 1800 806 218 before the due dates.

In the mean time, if you have been affected by the floods and receive any correspondence from the ATO that you are not ready to deal with, contact the ATO and they will make special arrangements for you.

More information or help – contact your tax agent.