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Media release Nat – 2005/43
The Tax Office today reminded Australia’s 10 million plus taxpayers that the end of the 2004-05 financial year means they should start thinking about preparing their tax return.
Tax Commissioner Michael Carmody said the Tax Office has a range of information and assistance to help people meet the 31 October lodgement deadline.
“From 1 July 2005 returns can be prepared and lodged online using e-tax, a fast, secure, easy to use system which, in most cases, processes your return within 14 days.”
“It provides calculators and help screens as well as links to rulings, Centrelink payment data and other useful information and it can be downloaded 24 hours a day, seven days a week from our website at www.ato.gov.au,” he said.
Mr Carmody said people can still use a paper return and that those who did so last year will receive TaxPack 2005 in the mail or they can obtain one from most newsagents or Tax Office shopfronts from 1 July or by phoning 1300 720 092.
He also reminded people only a registered tax agent can charge a fee to prepare and lodge their tax returns.
“Make sure your agent is registered by visiting the Tax Agents’ Board website at www.tabd.gov.au or by phoning them on 1300 362 829.”
“Remember, if you are using an agent for the first time or using a different one from last year, you must contact them by 31 October,” Mr Carmody said.
Compliance focus
Mr Carmody said the Tax Office was again focusing on deductions for work-related expenses, rental property expenses and on capital gains from the sale of property and other assets.
“We’ll be looking at people in the construction and food preparation and processing industries; dance, drama and music instructors; health-care professionals; teachers and academics to ensure they are getting their work-related deduction claims right, especially when it comes to claims around motor vehicles or self-education.”
“We cross-check tax returns against a range of data including financial institution data, state and territory revenue and property sales information and Australian stock exchange data,” he said.
Mr Carmody said those claiming deductions for donations to charity should ensure the organisation is a registered deductible gift recipient (DGR) which can be checked on the Tax Office website.
“People may now also be able to claim deductions for fund-raising events even when they received a minor benefit.”
“Meanwhile, individuals not carrying on a business who have made one or more cash donations of $2 or more, to 2004 Boxing Day tsunami appeal “bucket collections” can claim a deduction,” he said.
“People won’t need receipts or other records as long as the deduction claimed in such circumstances doesn’t exceed $10,” he said.
If people have questions or need assistance, they should visit the Tax Office website at www.ato.gov.au anytime, or phone the Tax Office on 13 28 61 between 8:00am and 6:00pm weekdays.
“Remember, we can provide faster, more personalised service if you provide your tax file number,” he said.
Note to radio news editors:
Audio grabs of Commissioner Michael Carmody and Assistant Commissioner Kathy Dennis-Carter are available here in a MP3 file or by calling toll free 1800 009 589 from 09:00am on Thursday 30 June 2005.
Last Modified: Thursday, 30 June 2005
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