Release: Tax office shows its humanity

Release: Tax office shows its humanity

The Australian Taxpayers’ Alliance, the nation’s largest grassroots advocacy group representing taxpayers, today delivered rare praise for the Australian Taxation Office in light of its instruction that those affected by bushfires shouldn’t worry about doing their taxes but should instead focus on more immediate concerns.

“2019 has been a year in which the ATO has been involved in unethical behaviour towards taxpayers and small businesses. It is heartwarming to see that they do indeed have the capacity for common sense and compassion,” said ATA Communications Manager Emilie Dye.

“Taxes serve the purpose of funding the government, not crushing people unable to pay. It is good to see the ATO acknowledge that the individuals who have watched their homes burn should focus on rebuilding.

“In a fire people should first protect each other and if they have time grab photographs and memorabilia. Instead many, out of fear of the taxman, grab receipts and records before priceless memories.

“We wish to offer our thanks, in all sincerity, to the ATO for allowing this leeway to those who are suffering from fire and drought in their time of need. It is good to see people giving what they can to those in crisis. For many that means making donations, giving clothes, and helping in other practical ways. For the ATO that means giving people more time to file their taxes.

“Australians are good people, even the ones that work for the ATO. Aussies aren’t money trees for the government; they are people that sometimes experience devastating loss. It is good the ATO has recognised this.”