The Australian Tax Office Small Business Assistance Program provides free, practical help which is aimed at keeping businesses on track.

Eligible small businesses with an annual turnover of less than $2 million can apply for:

• 12-month general interest charge free payment arrangements for activity statement debts
• deferred activity statement payment due dates – deferrals of up to two months for quarterly and annual payers, and one month for monthly payers are available.

For debts of $25,000 of less, businesses can use an online calculator to work out a payment arrangement that meets their circumstances. Once they have calculated a suitable payment scenario based on their  circumstances, they can use this as a guide to propose a payment arrangement.

For debts of $25,000 or less, businesses can use an automated self help service to apply for a payment arrangement by calling 13 72 26. The self help service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Businesses with a tax debt or experiencing payment difficulties should visit the Tax Office website or phone 13 11 42 from 8.00am – 6.00pm Monday to Friday.

The Tax Office also offers other forms of free assistance to help business including:

• access to experienced tax officers who can answer questions and help people get on top of their tax issues
• on-site visits
• local seminars and a range of workshops
• rates, calculators and tools
• record keeping for small business (NAT 3029)
• other financial advice

For more information visit the Tax Office website.