The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has marked the 30th anniversary of its volunteer Tax Help program by declaring it a “wonderful example” of everyday Australians helping each other.
Assistant Taxation Commissioner, Kath Anderson said that in its 30th year the program would result in around 800 volunteers assisting others complete their simpler tax returns in about 600 locations across the nation.
Ms Anderson said the ATO-trained and accredited volunteers provided a free, confidential service to people on low incomes, usually working out of local libraries, community centres and other organisations across metropolitan, rural, and regional Australia.
“Our volunteers help people from all walks of life, including those who’ve fallen on hard times and those in the community who are most vulnerable,” Ms Anderson said.
“We get such positive feedback from the community, our volunteers and centres. The Tax Help volunteers are providing an indispensable service which thousands of Australians rely on each year.”
She said that over the past 30 years, the Tax Help service had helped more than one-and-a-half million people with their current and prior year tax returns.
“Last year alone over 30,000 people were assisted,” Ms Anderson said.
“We’re not slowing down.
“In 2018, we hope to see Tax Help expand to more locations right across Australia, from Penrith to Perth and Darwin to Dandenong.
“We’re putting out a call for new volunteers to expand the service.”
Anyone interested in volunteering to assist with the program should visit the ATO website at this PS News link.
