The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced various measures to assist businesses that are experiencing financial problems as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. They include deferring by as much as four months the payment date for amounts through the business activity statement, and enabling companies to vary pay-as-you-go instalment amounts to zero for the April quarter. The ATO will also increase its presence in parts of Australia where businesses are being most impacted by the outbreak, to make it easier for them to apply for assistance:
Commissioner of Taxation Chris Jordan is encouraging businesses impacted by the coronavirus to get in touch with the ATO to discuss relief options, including deferral of some payments, quicker access to GST refunds and options to enter low-interest payment plans for existing or future tax debts…
“The ATO will work shoulder to shoulder with businesses to assist them through this difficult period and do what we can to ease the pressure. Once you contact us, we’ll tailor a support plan for your needs and circumstances”…
