Bushfire Assistance for Business

The Victorian Government has announced assistance for businesses and primary producers directly impacted by the 2009 bushfires.

The assistance package comprises:

• a one-off grant of up to $5,000 for immediate repair and restoration costs, with additional funds available up to a total of $25,000 for eligible businesses with damage
• a low-cost loan scheme through the Rural Finance Corporation
• free access to professional business advice for those affected by the bushfires. A business owner can talk to an adviser to evaluate the current situation before meeting to identify and work through the actions required to re start and re establish their business. For further information please contact Small Business Victoria on 13 22 15

Financial assistance

Business grant and loan

Emergency grants of $5,000 are immediately available to small businesses and primary producers who have been directly impacted by the bushfires.

The grants aim to assist businesses with immediate repair and restoration costs, which may include the hire of tools, equipment, fencing repairs, materials, trades and services.

Additional funding may be available for businesses significantly impacted, up to a total of $25,000, based on a damage assessment.

Small businesses and primary producers whose physical assets have been destroyed or damaged by bushfire may also be eligible for a low-cost loan through the Rural Finance Corporation.

Loans for 15 years of up to $200,000 are available at a concessional rate of 3.2% p/a for the first five years.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an emergency business grant and/or low-interest loan scheme, businesses and primary producers must:

• have a registered Australian Business Number (ABN)
• be directly impacted by the bushfires through damage or destruction of physical assets

More information can be found on the Rural Finance Corporation website (www.ruralfinance.com.au) or
Tel: Rural Finance Corporation on 1800 255 925

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Income Recovery Subsidy and Newstart Allowance

Immediate financial assistance from the Commonwealth Government is also available to small business owners and farmers, as well as their employees, who have experienced a loss of income as a direct result of the Victorian bushfires.

For eligibility or other queries contact visit the Centrelink website (www.centrelink.gov.au)
Tel: Centrelink on 180 2211

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Businesses Supporting Businesses

If you are a business wanting to help businesses affected by the fire, register your business and the type of support you can provide.

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Extensions to BAS lodgment

The due dates for lodgment and payment of BAS activity statements for people and small businesses in areas affected by the floods and bush fires have been extended to:

• 21 May 2009 for monthly lodgment and payments in late February, March and April
• 28 May 2009 for quarterly lodgments and payment normally due on 28 February and 28 April

However, if you would still like to receive an activity statement, e.g. so you can get a refund call the ATO on 1300 304 975.

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Super payments for business affected by bushfires

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has made allowances for businesses affected by the Victorian bushfires that are having trouble meeting their super obligations.

Super contributions for the quarter ending 31 March 2009 must be made to a complying super fund or retirement savings account by 28 April 2009. If payment is not made by this date, a Superannuation guarantee charge statement - quarterly (NAT 9599) must be lodged by 28 May 2009.

If super contributions for the quarter ending 31 December 2008 were not made by 28 January 2009, you must also lodge a Superannuation guarantee charge statement - quarterly. We have extended the time for lodgment of this statement from 2 March 2009 until 28 May 2009.

For more information (including what to do if your records have been lost) visit the ATO website or call 13 10 20 for superannuation enquiries.