Tax help for communities affected by bushfires
Businesses and people affected by the crisis, including emergency support workers, can ask the UNSW Tax Clinic for guidance.
Published on the 16 Jan 2020 by Julia Jones
UNSW Tax Clinic is ready to help families, communities and businesses in need of tax advice and support as a result of the bushfire crisis.
The Clinic is open to anyone in NSW who cannot afford tax advice and has been significantly impacted by the bushfires, including firefighters, bushfire volunteers and bushfire emergency support workers.
Co-Founder of the UNSW Tax Clinic and Senior Lecturer at the UNSW School of Taxation and Business Law, Dr Ann Kayis-Kumar, said the free service is available to those who need it most.
“The enormity of loss our communities face as a result of these bushfires is staggering,” said Dr Kayis-Kumar. “Homes, properties, stock, and tragically loss of life. The effects are far-reaching with many facing new challenging financial circumstances. In this situation, it can be difficult to navigate the tax system.”
“In coming weeks, months and years as people begin to rebuild and regain some normalcy, we’re here to help.”
With outreach locations across Sydney and phone appointments available, the UNSW Tax Clinic provides free, independent and confidential tax advice and support.
UNSW Business School students attend the Clinic and, under supervision of registered tax agents, assist clients with correspondence and demands from the Australian Tax Office (ATO). The team negotiate with the ATO, help clients understand their obligations and outline some of the options available.
Anyone in need of tax advice and support in NSW as a result of the current bushfire crisis can get in touch. Email: taxclinic@unsw.edu.au. Visit: business.unsw.edu.au/taxclinic