Hobart
The Australian Government will provide tax deductible status to relief funds established to help Australians affected by the Tasmanian bushfires.
The Acting Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Gary Gray AO, MP, today declared the January 2013 Tasmanian fires a disaster for the purposes of establishing Australian disaster relief funds.
This declaration ensures that new funds and qualifying existing funds established for the relief of people in communities affected by the bushfires, can receive tax deductible donations.
While funds still need to apply for formal endorsement, the Tax Office has established a fast track process to get applications approved as quickly as possible.
As communities in Tasmania hit hard by recent bushfires start to count the cost, Australians from all around the country are coming together to help out.
These donations can be used to provide money or direct assistance for relief, recovery and community reconstruction work to assist affected individuals and communities.
The Government will also continue to assist affected communities as they undertake the long task of rebuilding and re-establishing.
Donations to Australian disaster relief funds, established to provide relief in the aftermath of the bushfires, will be tax deductible for a period of two years from the date of this declaration.
These events have caused devastation to communities in Tasmania and have resulted in widespread damage to property and the environment.
Further information on establishing an Australian disaster relief fund is available at www.ato.gov.au.