Tax Help and Equine Influenza

The Tax Office is offering assistance to businesses directly affected by equine influenza and the resulting quarantine measures.

Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo has reassured people affected that we will work with them during this difficult time to help them meet their tax obligations.

“We understand that equine influenza has directly affected the income of many people involved in the horse and related industries,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.

“Anyone who is having problems meeting their tax obligations should call us as soon as possible on 13 11 42 so we can make arrangements to suit their individual circumstances.

Your tax agent can also contact the ATO on your behalf.

Remember, even if you can’t pay the amount owning in your activity statement, it’s important to make every attempt to lodge it by the due date.

Tax Dobbers Turn on Bosses

The Daily Telegraph yesterday reported that more than 120 people a day turned informant on their bosses, neighbours and even former lovers last financial year to accuse them of tax fraud through a confidential hotline.

Over the past three years a whopping 140,616 Australians called the Tax Evasion Hotline to accuse others of cheating on their tax. It seems the ATO are keen to follow up on these leads with more than $4.4 million in lost revenue already identified as a result of the information supplied in 2006-07.

Businesses failing to report cash income was the most common tax evasion practice followed by paying cash-in-hand wages.

Fax Spamming - Have Your Say

We receive a fair amount of "junk mail" via our fax machine. Most of the time, the interuption is minimal and I give it little thought. However, it does interupt productivity, uses our print resources and ties up the fax machine... none of this leaves me with a positive impression of the sender.

How do you feel about commercial fax spam? Should the Government take action to reduce the volume of unsolicited commercial faxes?

The Business Consultation website is asking for businesses to provide comments on a consultation regarding unsolicited commercial fax messaging. The closing date for comments and submissions is 17 September 2007 and businesses are able to submit their answers online.

While you are at the website you can register your interest to be consulted on government policy or regulation affecting business and also view current and archived public consultations.

MYOB Professional Partner

We are pleased to announce that Alan Lewis Accounting & Taxation now operates as an MYOB Professional Partner and Authorised Reseller.

As a Professional Partner we are better equipped to evaluate your specific software needs, supply and install MYOB, set up files and accounts and train clients in the use of the software.

Keep an eye on our site for product updates, tutorials and additional resources.