COVID-19 FAQs
The COVID-19 frequently asked questions (FAQs) have been archived on our legal databaseThis link opens in a new window. You can also find a portable document format (PDF) version on our Publication Ordering SystemExternal Link.
The archived COVID-19 FAQs are a record of the guidance we provided as at 30 June 2020. The archive ensures that our technical and administrative position on these issues as at year end will remain accessible in the future.
You can now find the information from the FAQs, where it still applies, within the relevant topic areas on our website. This way the answer you need is with the topic you're looking for.
We will continue to update our webpages with current advice, see Issues under consideration.
If you have a question, ATO CommunityExternal Link may already have the answer.
Payment plans
If you or your business was affected by COVID-19 and you need help to pay your existing and ongoing tax liabilities, you may be eligible to set up a payment plan to pay in instalments.
Remitting interest and penalties
If you or your business was affected by COVID-19, we will consider remitting interest and penalties incurred after 23 January 2020.
If the interest or penalties were incurred before 23 January 2020, you should still contact us as we can:
- consider whether your circumstances before 23 January 2020 would make a remission of interest or penalties appropriate
- arrange to stop interest being charged while you are affected by COVID-19, and for the duration of a payment plan if you put one in place.
Contact us
If you’re an individual, sole trader, small or medium business and you're having difficulty meeting your tax and super obligations because of the consequences of COVID-19, you can contact us to speak to an ATO customer service representative.
Specialist phone services available include:
- the Indigenous Helpline, which is a service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- call services for hearing or speech/communication difficulties
- the Translating and Interpreting Service to speak with us in a language other than English
- an overseas enquiries line if you are phoning from outside Australia.
You can also talk to your tax or BAS agent so they can work with us to support you to manage your tax affairs.
If you're a large business, contact our Large Service Team for support and advice about tax administration or technical issues affecting your business.