State and Federal Government assistance is still available for those businesses who have been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Below we outline the main assistance packages that may be of interest and benefit to you.

As you may be aware, the Government have recently announced changes to the eligibility for employees to enter the existing JobKeeper Program for fortnights commencing 3 August 2020. The date to assess if an employee is eligible has been extended to include individuals employed on 1 July 2020 (previously 1 March 2020). This change is effective for all businesses currently eligible for JobKeeper. This may result in additional employees being eligible for JobKeeper.

Earlier this year, the Federal Government announced the Super Guarantee Amnesty. The amnesty allows employers to disclose and pay any previously unpaid super guarantee charge (SGC), including nominal interest, they owe their employees, for quarters commencing from 1 July 1992 up to and including 31 March 2018.

Further to our recent update in relation to JobKeeper 2.0, due to commence in October, the Government have announced further changes.

Workplace accident insurance is compulsory if you have employees. It covers you for the costs associated with a claim by a worker who is injured in the course of employment. In Queensland, accident insurance is regulated by WorkCover Queensland.

The Federal Government has announced an extension to the JobKeeper program. Known as JobKeeper 2.0, this announcement extends the current end date of 27 September 2020 to 28 March 2021.

The 2020 Financial Year was certainly one that will not be forgotten – with thanks to COVID-19. The ATO have recognised the effect COVID-19 has had on the country and have introduced a range of measures to support taxpayers though tax time.

The State Government has announced that they will open up a second round of their COVID-19 Adaption Grants Program. This program provides grants of up to $10,000 for businesses to fund a range of eligible activities.

Businesses that have enrolled for the JobKeeper Payment need to lodge their May JobKeeper Declaration with the Australian Taxation Office by the 14th June, so they can receive their payment for May. These can be lodged through the ATO business portal in the same way the April declaration was lodged. As your tax agent, we are also able to lodge these declarations on your behalf. If this declaration is not lodged, no further JobKeeper payments will be made by the ATO, even if you are on single touch payroll.

Earlier this week, the Queensland State Government announced a $10,000 grant program to assist Queensland small businesses. The total program is $100m and will help approximately 10,000 small businesses.