1 November 2000

BAS Help Week for self-preparers starts today

BAS Help Week for self-preparers starts today (1 Nov) and will run until 8 November in more than 250 locations across Australia with provision for 50,000 appointments, Chris Jordan, Chairman, The New Tax System Advisory Board said today.

"Small businesses should not delay getting started on their first quarterly Business Activity Statement (BAS). The deadline for lodgment of 11 November is fast approaching," Chris Jordan said.

Help is available for businesses in preparing their BAS. There is a Business Activity Statement Instruction booklet, video, CD-ROM and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website (www.taxreform.ato.gov.au) which contain step-by-step guides to completing the BAS. If assistance is still needed business can call the ATO on 13 24 78 and ATO staff will be able to help with questions.

"If you have given these a try and still need help, there is an initiative running from 1-8 November called BAS Help Week. BAS Help Week will be held across the nation with the ATO offering free one-on-one advice and assistance to small businesses that are self preparing their BAS," Chris Jordan said.

BAS Help Week is targeted at self-preparers who have attempted to fill in their BAS but now need help to finalise it.

BAS Help Week, with its one-on-one service, is designed to ease the concern of those who experience difficulties with self-preparation. Businesses can book a BAS Help Week appointment by calling 1300 138 990.

"Those using the service should bring with them their pre-printed BAS form, completed cash book (or print out from computer-based accounting systems) and other supporting documentation.

"The same guarantee that applies to field advisory visits will apply to BAS Help Week. ATO staff are there only to assist and not to gain information for an audit. Any compliance follow up work will be independent of any assistance the ATO provides.

"The approach of the ATO is to make the transition as smooth as possible, not to penalise those making an honest mistake," Chris Jordan said.

BAS Help Week is a vital part of a comprehensive education campaign that includes: workshops providing practical exercises on how to complete a BAS, publications, electronic products, infolines and "caravan" delivery teams that are visiting rural and remote locations providing training workshops and one-on-one sessions.

Media Contacts:

Anita Shooks (for Chris Jordan) The New Tax System Advisory Board on (02) 6 216 2318 or mobile 0407 406 765. (1 November 2000)