Tax office helping taxpayers

This Tax Time the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is helping taxpayers to get their tax returns right through pop-up shops and the Tax Help program.

Announcing this year’s pop-up locations, Assistant Commissioner Kath Anderson said both services help thousands of people each year.

“Each service meets a different community need, with pop-ups making it easier for people to connect to the ATO online, while the Tax Help program benefits those on low incomes with simple tax affairs, including those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged,” Ms Anderson said.

Pop-ups
Building on the success of previous years, the ATO will host 35 pop-ups in major shopping centres, community hubs and even a metro train station.

Ms Anderson said pop-ups are a face-to-face service providing advice and on-the-spot demonstrations to help people gain confidence using the ATO’s digital products and services.

“Getting your tax right can be difficult sometimes. That’s why we’re getting out in the local community. We want everyone to feel confident using our online products and services, regardless of whether you use an agent or lodge your own return,” she said.

Ms Anderson said the ATO’s digital services also provide a variety of other benefits.

“When you visit, we will be able to show you how to use the range of online services and teach you how to do things like set up a myGov account, download the ATO app, find your lost super, lodge and revise activity statements and view your study and training support loan. And if you have already lodged, we can show you how to check the progress of your return.”

Ms Anderson said a great feature of pop-ups is that you don’t need an appointment.

“We deliberately set up our pop-ups in places where you will see us as you go about your day. Just drop in and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.”

Tax Help
Now in its 30th year, the ATO’s Tax Help program is a free service to help people who earn less than $60,000 to lodge their tax returns.

This year, about 800 ATO-trained and accredited volunteers will be at more than 600 locations across Australia, including local libraries, community centres and organisations in metropolitan, rural and regional areas.

Ms Anderson said the Tax Help service is a wonderful example of everyday Australians helping each other.

Find your nearest pop-up shop at ato.gov.au/popup

For more information on where to find your closest Tax Help site, head to ato.gov.au/taxhelp.