The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is continuing to provide dedicated support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples this tax time.
Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh explained the first port of call for those needing help this tax time, is to visit or to call the Indigenous Helpline. The ATO staff will provide specialised tax and super assistance that’s tailored to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Our staff are keen to make tax easier this tax time and can help with things like getting a tax file number, lodging your tax return, or finding your super,” Mr Loh said.
Last year, the ATO Indigenous Helpline received over 40,000 calls for tax and super assistance, answering questions on a range of topics, including what to do if someone:
- needs to find or apply for your tax file number
- runs a business
- has a second job
- received income from the gig economy
- received an education scholarship or bursary
- received a government payment.
In addition to the Indigenous Helpline, the ATO has several programs on offer to make managing tax and super affairs simpler.
“We want Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to feel confident in managing their tax and super affairs, and know that they can come to us for assistance at any time of the year. And if you have a registered tax agent or BAS agent, we can work with them to manage your affairs.” Mr Loh said.
