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Most people’s least favourite job each year is filing a tax return. It can be hard remembering where all those receipts are located, working out if you need to pay tax or if you’re likely to get some tax back, and can create stress and anxiety.
Support Act can help. We’ve developed a Tax Help program to provide accounting and taxation support to current service users or those who meet the criteria for a Crisis Relief Grant (see eligibility here), who are overwhelmed by a backlog of un-lodged returns or need assistance with financial literacy.
The program is designed to be an extension of our existing crisis relief service and consists of the referral of service users to an approved accounting firm for assistance with completing and lodging their outstanding tax returns with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The timely lodgement of tax returns is critically important in enabling people to apply for government benefits as well as contributing to financial wellbeing and maintaining good mental health.
Once approved by our social workers, service users will be referred to our pre-approved accounting partners – Sorrento Strategic Accounting and White Sky Accounting Services, who have extensive experience of working with people in the music industry.
There is no cost to our service users. We only ask that once approved, you work with the accountant to get your return completed within three months.
Eligibility
Who is eligible for Tax Help?
Tax Help grants are intended to provide relief to service users who are overwhelmed with a backlog of un-lodged tax returns or those who may face challenges with financial literacy. Tax Help grants are not intended for service users who are up to date with their taxes and who only have a current, straightforward return to lodge. This means that previous applicants will not automatically qualify for a Tax Help grant.
I have not completed a tax return for quite a few years. Can I get Tax Help?
If you meet our criteria for support, and can demonstrate that you are overwhelmed with a backlog of un-lodged tax returns, or that you have challenges with financial literacy, then we will invite you to submit an application for review by our social workers.
What will a Tax Help Grant cover?
Support Act will cover some or all of the accountancy fee associated with lodging outstanding Tax returns, through a referral with our pre-approved accounting partners.
Support Act will not be able to provide a grant for unpaid taxes. Payment plans can be arranged with the ATO.
ATO resources
- The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website has resources to help you complete your tax return:
- Find out what you can claim this year with the work-related expenses guide for performing artists.
- You may be able claim other deductions if you are not a performer.
- If you need help completing and lodging your tax return and your income is around $60,000 or less, you may be eligible for the ATO’s free Tax Help program or the National Tax Clinic program
- The myDeductions app is a helpful tool for keeping track of your records for future tax returns.
- If you are struggling with debt or other stressful financial issues, please contact the National Debt Helpline to speak with a financial counsellor about your situation.
