Support from the tax office...

[Robert Gerrish]

Hi All,

What follows is a note I have received from a very helpful man at the Tax Office. If you need any practical assistance in the financial management of your business, their services are worth exploration:

The Tax Office’s Small Business Assistance Program provides free, practical help which is aimed at keeping businesses on track.

In a recent speech to the Council of Small Business of Australia, Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo announced new measures to help businesses that are struggling to manage their tax payment obligations in the current economic climate.

Eligible small businesses with an annual turnover of less than $2 million can apply for:

• 12-month general interest charge free payment arrangements for activity statement debts

• deferred activity statement payment due dates – we can grant requests for deferrals of up to

• two months for quarterly and annual payers

• one month for monthly payers.

For debts of $25,000 of less, businesses can use our online calculator to work out a payment arrangement that meets their circumstances. Once they have calculated a suitable payment scenario based on their circumstances, they can use this as a guide to propose a payment arrangement.

For debts of $25,000 or less, businesses can use our automated self help service to apply for a payment arrangement by calling 13 72 26.

Our self help service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Businesses with a tax debt or experiencing payment difficulties should visit the Tax Office website or phone 13 11 42 from 8.00am – 6.00pm Monday to Friday.

The Tax Office also offers other forms of free assistance to help business, talk to us and we can help you better understand your tax obligations. Our range of business support services gives you access to experienced tax officers who can answer your questions and help you get on top of your tax issues.

We offer: on-site visits and local seminars and a range of workshops


For more information:

• Free tax support
• Rates, calculators and tools
• Record keeping for small business (NAT 3029)
• Do you need financial advice about managing your business?


----------------------

[LeelaCosgrove]

I had a long discussion with the tax office yesterday due to a fairly large tax bill for the last financial year and they were SO SO SO nice!

I actually said to the guy:

"I don't understand why people are so afraid of the ATO - you guys are awesome!"

Seriously, some of the BEST customer service I have received from ANY company, EVER. It was all about ME and what worked best for me ... how they could help me and still get their outcome ... I was just like ... sheesh! I know a few companies (banks and telcos just for starters!) who could take a leaf out of your book!

[Burgo]

This new approach is all about winning.

Be nice to the customer at all times and see where we can help, that way we will get paid.

Something we can all apply to our own business.

[@HeatherSmithAU]

Thanks for posting this Robert - excellent information for all micro biz.

I am on the ATO BAG (Bookkeeping Advisory Group) so meet with the tax office quarterly.

If there are issues that you feel need to be addressed (not personal - general) then I am happy to listen and take them to the meetings, when relevant.

[Trish HBB]

Originally Posted by MYOB

Thanks for posting this Robert - excellent information for all micro biz.

I am on the ATO BAG (Bookkeeping Advisory Group) so meet with the tax office quarterly.

If there are issues that you feel need to be addressed (not personal - general) then I am happy to listen and take them to the meetings, when relevant.

Thanks Robert and MYOB. Always good to have people in the know.

Thanks,

[JamesMillar]

Originally Posted by LeelaCosgrove

I
I actually said to the guy:

"I don't understand why people are so afraid of the ATO - you guys are awesome!"

Haha - I would like to frame that quote for our office. Clients would love it as well. I'll remember to try it as a softer option next time a client gets taken to court by the ATO.