We have compiled some information to assist you in both meeting your obligations with the Australian Taxation Office and applying for assistance.

ATO Assistance for those affected by floods

The ATO has implemented a range of support strategies for those who have been affected by the flood disaster in QLD, including: 

• Deferral of lodgement dates - if you or your business is located in the flood affected areas (you can check by clicking here) your lodgement and payment dates for December monthly activity statements have been deferred to 21 February 2011.
• General Interest Charge (GIC) stoppers for businesses, taxpayers and tax practitioners.
• Fast tracking refunds
• Allowing extra time to pay debts
• By reconstructing tax records where documents have been destroyed, and making reasonable estimates where necessary 

If you have any other lodgement or payment obligations and require additional time, please don’t hesitate to contact our office and we will liaise with the ATO on your behalf.

Grant assistance programs

For Small Business and Primary Producers

A grant of $25,000 has been announced for primary producers and small business owners affected by the QLD floods.  Up to $5,000 is initially provided to assist with immediate early recovery and up to $20,000 will be provided later to recover costs incurred to repair flood damage.

Funding is available for those in the following shires:

A Concessional Interest Rate Loan of up to $250,000 is also available for small businesses and primary producers and freight subsidies of up to $5,000.

To apply for a grant, call the QRAA on 1800 623 946 or visit their website for more information and eligibility criteria.

 For Individuals and Families

A payment of $1,000 for each adult and $400 for each child is available as a grant for individuals who have been forced to leave or whose homes have been lost or severely damaged.  To check your availability for the Australian Government’s Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) you can call the Australian Government’s Emergency Assistance Hotline on 180 2266 between 8am and 8pm Queensland time.  Alternately you can visit your local Centrelink or Medicare Office.

You are also able to claim this grant online.

Additional Assistance

NDRRA Personal Hardship and Distress Assistance

Available in 10 Local Government Associations including; Central Highlands, Southern Downs, Western Downs, Lockyer Valley, Banana, Barcaldine, North Burnett, Mackay, Bundaberg and Toowoomba.

Personal Hardship Assistances Grants

$170 per person, with a maximum of $850 for a family of five or more.  This grant is to assist in meeting the basic needs of those experiencing hardship as a result of the disaster.

Essential Household Contents Grant

Up to $1,705 for individuals and $5,120 for families. 

Structural Assistance Grants

$10,500 for Individuals and $14,200 for couples/families for property owners whose home have been damaged

Call 1800 173 349 to apply for the grants or for more information and eligibility visit www.communityservices.qld.gov.au

Assistance from banks

The major banks are supporting customers affected by the QLD floods, by making available emergency assistance packages. These support packages aim to help impacted customers manage their finances during this time, by providing services including:

• Suspending repayments on all loans for three months on request
• Waiving all bank fees
• Temporary adjustments to lending limits, including credit cards
• Deferring credit card payments
• Term deposits can withdraw funds without incurring an interest penalty
• Loan restructuring without incurring the usual fees
• Waiving branch service fees

Insurance

Insurance companies are much busier than usual, so claims may take a while to process. We recommend you contact your insurance company or broker as soon as possible.

This serves as a reminder to have your policy reviewed to ensure you are covered adequately.