Media release 2009/12
The Tax Office today announced that now the tax bonus legislation is awaiting Royal Assent preparations are underway to make payments progressively from early April 2009.
Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo said people won’t have to do anything to receive the payment if they have already lodged their 2007-08 tax return.
“We will use the information in people’s 2007-08 tax return to work out who is eligible and the best way to get the payment to them.
“However, there are some people who need to take action. If you haven’t already lodged your 2007-08 return with us don’t leave it any longer.
“Unless you already have an extension of time to lodge in place, you must lodge by 30 June 2009 to receive the bonus.
“If you use a tax agent, give them a call or you can lodge your own return using e-tax. E-tax is available to download from www.ato.gov.au.
Those affected by natural disaster
“I have put special arrangements in place for people who have not lodged and have been affected by the Victorian bushfires, and North Queensland and NSW floods.
“Firstly, people in those areas can lodge later if that is what they want to do. They can take up to 30 June 2010 to lodge.
“In addition, when people are ready to focus on this we can help them or their agent with their return. This includes helping people who no longer have any, or few records, by using information we already have, including the past year’s tax return, to make a reasonable estimate of their assessment.
Update bank account details
“We will send the payment to the bank account or address people nominated as their preference for the 2007-08 tax return.
“The fastest way to get your payment is to give us your bank account details if you haven’t already and we’ll make a direct deposit to your account.
“Of course, people can choose to receive a cheque at their nominated postal address.
“We have a small window of opportunity to offer people to update their payment preference details with us.
“People should contact us by the middle of March if they need to update their details,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.
For security reasons, bank account details can only be updated by calling the Tax Office’s automated phone service on 1300 686 636.
Addresses can be updated online at www.ato.gov.au or by calling 1300 686 636.
If people use a tax agent
“If your tax agent manages payments and correspondence for you, we won’t necessarily have your personal bank account or postal address details.
“If you want us to make this one-off payment into your personal bank account or send a cheque to an address other than the one you usually use through your tax agent, please contact us as soon as possible,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.
Beware of email scams
Mr D’Ascenzo also reminded people to be wary of unsolicited emails claiming to be from the Tax Office.
“We are worried that unscrupulous people will use the interest surrounding the payments as an opportunity to try the usual scams.
“Remember, the Tax Office never sends emails asking people to provide personal information including bank account or credit card details and you will not be charged fees by us to receive the payment.
“If you receive an email claiming to be from us, delete it immediately,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Subscribe
