Government Assistance For Farms Doing It Tough

The Australian Taxation offers a range of financial measures through their recognition of struggling farmers facing high levels of debt. Lodgement of activity statements and tax returns remain a requirement of taxpaying individuals/businesses to be made on time, even if payment cannot be made by the due date.  Drought help initiates via:

The devastating affects on agricultural commodities, such as cattle and sheep, lead to the design of various programs to aid Primary Producers. Immediate tax deductions, rather than depreciable methods, for capital expenses on fencing infrastructure, on-farm water storage facilities and fodder storage assets have been granted, improving rural investment ease.

Initiatives and Subsidies

Early access to Farm Management Deposit (FMD) accounts, that provides support for primary produces to manage fluctuations in cash flow more effectively, have been granted. The FMD scheme is offered to increase the self-reliance of Australian primary producers via financial risk mitigation and plan for low-income years by building up pre-tax cash reserves with the income threshold being less than $100,000 p.a and limit of $800,000 maximum balance. Deposits being tax-deductible during the financial year credited. Withdrawal of reserves is only permitted during short cash flow future years with required, such as replanting or restocking.

Loans
A one-off interest-free Drought Assistance Loan (DAL) of $50,000 with a seven year term and no repayment required within the first two years is available to support transport stock, fodder and water, genetic banking of breeding herds and installing on-farm fodder and water infrastructure. Low interest loans are also available if requirements are not met for the DAL.

To aid in on-farm efficiency the Farm Innovation Fund, a Capital works loan scheme valued up to $250,000 for infrastructure works (silos, water storage, sheds) has been offered to taxpayers.

 

Through provision of grants and aid beyond just the above list, the Australian Government as a whole and its response to rural individual and businesses via drought relief schemes have continued to provide a range of assistance to drought stricken primary producers and farmers. Taxpayers are encouraged to tax advantage of such financial supports to help manage the effects of drought and other business related challenges.
For further details, it is encouraged to search the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources section of the Australian Government website, alongside the ATO and our services provided at Walker Wayland.

Article written by Jody Conyngham