We are reaching out to key community and government partners to let you know about our range of help and support options available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

We have several services that we can provide, including:

Indigenous presentations

One of our team members can run a digital session to educate your clients on the following topics:

  • issues around contacting the ATO
  • identification 
  • how to apply for a tax file number
  • tax and super generally and accessing super
  • protecting yourself from scams

We can tailor our approach to suit specific needs or areas of concern.

To book a presentation, send an email with your contact details to communityeducation@ato.gov.au

ATO Indigenous Helpline

We have a dedicated Indigenous Helpline providing specialised tax and super assistance, tailored to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Staff can answer questions on a range of topics, including what to do if you:

  • run a business
  • have a second job
  • received income from the gig economy
  • received an education scholarship or bursary
  • received a government payment.

You can call the ATO Indigenous Helpline on 13 10 30.

For more information please visit – www.ato.gov.au/Indigenous

Small Businesses assistance

‘Reach Out’ is a business support program working with Indigenous small businesses to help them meet their tax and super obligations.

Tax Help program

The ATO’s Tax Help program is a free and confidential service open to people earning about $60,000 or less each year. From July to October, trained volunteers can walk clients through all stages of their tax return, from creating a myGov account to completing and lodging their return.

The ATO has Tax Help centres located across Australia and some specialise in helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Help can also be provided online or by phone which is particularly useful for those clients living in remote or rural locations. For more information about the program, visit ato.gov.au/taxhelp

If you’re interested in volunteering with Tax Help or opening a Tax Help centre, visit ato.gov.au/volunteer or send an email with your name and contact details to Ceataxhelp@ato.gov.au.

Tax Clinics

If your client is not eligible for the Tax Help program, the National Tax Clinic program may be able to help instead. The program is a government-funded initiative to help those who may not be able to afford professional advice and representation with their tax affairs. Tax Clinics can also assist with any self-employment income, including work undertaken using an ABN. For more information, visit ato.gov.au/taxclinic

School Education Program

We offer free ATO-facilitated presentations for students in Years 9-12. The presentations aim to build on life skills and improve students’ financial literacy before they enter the workforce.
 
We cover a range of topics including:

  • understanding the tax and super systems
  • how to apply for a tax file number
  • preparing to enter the workforce or tertiary studies
  • how to complete and lodge a tax return
  • protecting your privacy and scam requirements

Sessions can be tailored to meet your requirements.

The ATO also offers online learning resources for primary and secondary schools.

For more information, visit  ato.gov.au/education

For more information about any of the services listed above, please email communityeducation@ato.gov.au

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *