The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has opened 35 ‘pop-up’ shops around Australia and launched its 2018 Tax Help program to assist taxpayers get their tax returns right this year.
Assistant Taxation Commissioner, Kath Anderson said both services helped 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.
She said the ATO pop-ups would be held in major shopping centres, community hubs and even a metro train station.
“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,” Ms Anderson said.
“Getting your tax right can be difficult sometimes. That’s why we’re getting out in the local community,” she said.
“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 pop-ups would continue until 22 September.
Ms Anderson said Tax Help was now in its 30th year, and was a free service to help people who earned less than $60,000 to lodge their tax returns.
“This year around 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.”
