Australia offers tax help to bushfire victims

Australia offers tax help to bushfire victims

13 March 2017

Australia The Australian Government has declared the February 2017 “Sir Ivan Fires” bushfires a disaster for tax purposes.

Donations to Australian disaster relief funds, established to provide relief in the aftermath of the bushfires in Warrumbungle Shire in New South Wales, will be tax deductible for a period of two years from the date of the Government’s declaration on March 13.

Revenue Minister Kelly O’Dwyer said: “I know Australians have a big heart and this declaration will allow new funds and qualifying existing funds established for the relief of people affected by the Sir Ivan Fires to receive tax deductible donations.”

Mark Coulton, the local MP, commented: “Tax deductibility of donations will assist in raising funds to help people recover and get on with their lives.”

Relief funds will need to apply for formal endorsement. The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and the Australian Taxation Office will be able to help the funds in this process.

13. March 2017/by GFMCadmin