Tax Time 2016 is well underway and the ATO has opened up its Tax Help centres in community centres across Australia
Assistant Commissioner Graham Whyte said that almost 900 volunteers from about 650 community centres across Australia will be supporting people who need assistance completing their tax returns this year.
Here is the breakdown:
“We know that for many Australians doing their own tax return can be a bit difficult, that’s why we have Tax Help,” Whyte said.
Source: SBS Filipino
“Tax Help is a free and confidential service provided by ATO-trained and accredited local volunteers.
“Tax Help volunteers can help you complete a simple tax return online with myTax, claim a refund of franking credits, or notify the ATO if you don’t need to lodge a tax return at all.
“Last year, our volunteers assisted over 37,000 people. So far in 2016, they have helped over 8,700.”
Whyte said the Tax Help service was available to people earning around $50,000 or less each year with straightforward tax affairs.
“There are several criteria that you need to meet to be eligible for Tax Help. These include not having worked as a contractor, run a business, and sold shares. A full list is available on our website.”
Whyte said that people who are interested in preparing their own tax return can also try out myTax themselves before heading to a Tax Help centre.
“Tax Help is a great service, but you can always try myTax for yourself before making an appointment. In both cases, you will need a myGov account linked to the ATO. Our volunteers will help you create a myGov account if you don’t already have one.”
Tax Help is available each year until 31 October in all capital cities and many regional areas across Australia. To find out if you are eligible, go to www.ato.gov.au/taxhelp.To get the details of your nearest Tax Help centre, phone 13 28 61.
To create a myGov account before visiting a Tax Help centre, go to www.my.gov.au
