If someone says, “I’m from the ATO and I’m here to help you” – be wary!  While the ATO abounds with friendly and helpful staff, unfortunately over 28,000 tax-related scams have been reported since 1 July this year alone.  We are assured, the ATO does not employ Nigerian princes or people who address you ‘Dearest Mr Ian’ or wish you ‘love and spiritual fulfilment’ or say ‘the police are on their way’.  If someone calls you, simply refer them to your even friendlier and more helpful tax agent – and we will tell them where to transfer the royal inheritance.

 

With the recent (and one would seem ongoing) severe weather lashing in-land and coastal regions of eastern Australia, a number of agencies have made assistance and resources available for those in need to assist people to managing during these trying times.

Assistance is ranging from income support for individuals to grants and support that is accessible for businesses, not-for-profits and primary producers effected. A few good places to start if you need assistance include:

    • NSW:

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods/financial-assistance

https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/

https://www.nsw.gov.au/resilience-nsw

    • Victoria:

https://www.vic.gov.au/2022-flood-recovery

https://emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/#relief_assistance

    • QLD:

https://www.qra.qld.gov.au/

    • Nationally:

https://www.disasterassist.gov.au/

https://nema.gov.au/#/map

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster

   

As these severe weather events continue and more areas are impacted, agencies are continuing to rollout new and update and extend existing assistance available. So, if in need or you have experienced loss continue to check out what might be available to assist you to get through this, or help you get back on your feet.

Australian Red Cross NSW SES

Remembering too, if you can, roll up your sleeves, lend a hand or provide some support to those in need as there are lots of organisations out there supporting Australians that too can use your assistance….donations might be tax deductible too 😊

Above all else, stay informed, alert and safe in these trying times……if you need us we are always here to help, so just ask!

Further Top-up Payments as part of the Business Support Grant are now available for businesses in the Tourism, Accommodation, Arts, Events, Hospitality and Fitness industries that continue to be significantly impacted by COVID-19.

To receive Top-up payments, you will need to provide supporting evidence in the form of an Australian Income Tax Return or Business Activity Statements for the 2019-20 or 2020-21 financial year. This assists with the turnover assessment and reviewing your eligibility for the Top-up Payment; you will need to submit your application by 5pm 17 December.

This top up payment is also available to larger businesses with a turnover more than $2 million; just head to your SmartyGrants account and complete the “COVID-19 Business Support Grant Top Up Payment” form with your supporting evidence here.


If you’re not eligible for this sector specific top-up payment, the Small Business Hardship Scheme is still open for applications! The scheme reimburses eligible businesses for costs incurred for electricity, gas and rates paid between 1 July and 31 December 2021 and commercial vehicle registration paid between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021, up to the value of $10,000 per business, you can apply here.


As always, if you need assistance collating your supporting evidence, please do not hesitate to give us a call!