The Australian Taxation Office has once again launched the Tax Help program, a free and confidential community-based tax return preparation service that each year assists around 30,000 people with simple tax affairs.
Assistant Commissioner Karen Foat explained that the program relies upon over 700 dedicated ATO-trained and accredited community volunteers to help people complete their tax returns online using myTax.
"This tax time is a bit different, and we have adapted our Tax Help program to meet these challenges," Ms Foat said.
"In many cases our Tax Help volunteers will be able to provide face-to-face support to people, however there will be online virtual Tax Help and phone assistance available. We believe that this will meet the needs of most people with simple tax affairs.
The ATO is taking care to protect volunteers and members of the public. Our volunteers will strictly adhere to the Department of Health Guidelines and hygiene measures.
"The ATO recognises that tax time can seem overwhelming to some members of the community and we are taking steps to be as supportive as possible to all eligible taxpayers," Ms Foat said.
Taxpayers that are eligible for Tax Help and would like to make an appointment, can phone us on 13 28 61 for the Tax Help services available in their area. Tax help is open to anyone with an income of around $60,000 or less that didn't work as a contractor, run a business (including as a sole trader), or have complicated tax affairs.
"Importantly, the Tax Help program supports Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities through designated centres. Our volunteers can also provide support and assistance in many community languages.
