Search for     
ato.gov.au        Businesses section only        
Advanced search
Search tips
 

Free and helpful tax assistance - no strings attached

 
 Increase text size  Decrease text size
 

What is an assistance visit?

To help make it as easy as possible for you to comply with your tax and super obligations, we provide a free and tailored assistance service within Australia. Visits are conducted by tax officers at your place of business or preferred location. At this meeting, we will work through and discuss specific tax information of interest to you. Some topics include:

  • registering for an Australian business number (ABN)
  • understanding and registering for the goods and services tax (GST)
  • understanding employer obligations (pay as you go withholding, super guarantee, and fringe benefits tax)
  • understanding super obligations
  • understanding activity statement and record keeping requirements
  • understanding the range of other taxes and obligations that might apply to your business
  • lodging activity statements online via the Business Portal (includes set up and registration).

To view a short video (two minutes and five seconds), and find out more about what an assistance visit involves, click on the image below.

To view a short video (2 minutes and 5 seconds) click on this image.

From the 2010-11 income year, e-Record will no longer be available.

If you are setting up a new small business, making changes to an existing small business (for example, taking on employees), or just need some small business tax help, our officers can help you to understand your specific tax obligations and what you need to do.

We can also help you set up and install useful programs, such as the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO's) Business Portal, which is a fast, convenient and secure way for you to lodge and view activity statements, request refunds and communicate with us on specific topics.

No strings attached

All assistance visits are covered by the Commissioner's guarantee. This means that they are educational in nature and the information you share with our officers is confidential and will not be used for any other purpose.

Time required, when and where

Assistance visits can range from half an hour to half a day in length, depending on the information you would like our officers to discuss with you. Visits are offered between 8.00am and 6.00pm weekdays, delivered at your place of business or preferred location and are available in all capital cities and most regional areas within Australia.

Assistance in languages other than English

The ATO is committed to providing helpful and timely assistance for non-English speaking businesses. If required, a translator will accompany one of our officers to provide you with information in your language.

How to arrange an assistance visit

Small businesses needing help are encouraged to take advantage of this voluntary service. You can register for an assistance visit online at any time, or phone 13 28 66 between 8.00am and 6.00pm weekdays and we will arrange for one of our officers to contact you to make an appointment.

Assistance visits are only available within Australia.

Assistance visits are only available within Australia.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 19 October 2010

 
Give us your feedback
 
Top of page
More information on page