COVID-19 update: Prioritising our clients and associates health

9 min read

Updated June 2021

In light of the heightened level of concern related to the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) we want to provide an update on the actions H&R Block is taking to safeguard the health and well-being of our clients, our associates and their families.

Our 480 offices across Australia are continuing to serve the needs of our clients. For your safety, we are training our tax consultants and office staff on best practices recommended by public health authorities. We're monitoring the situation daily and will continue to take guidance from public health authorities.

We have multiple options to help you lodge your tax returns this year:

WITH YOUR LOCAL OFFICE

Our offices are open for business across the country, subject to government restrictions in each area. To do this safely we've introduced enhanced hygiene and distancing protocols in offices to reduce the risk of transmission. We offer appointments to minimise wait times and client overlap. We also offer the option of an appointment with your preferred local consultant over the phone. Book an appointment online today.
If government restrictions are announced which may impact your in-office appointment, such as a "circuit-breaker" lockdown in your area, we will contact you to offer the option of rescheduling your in-office appointment or switching to a phone appointment at your preferred time.
All client chairs are now at least 1.5m from the consultant chair
Hand sanitiser and industrial surface disinfectant are used in every office
We have protocols in place to minimise "shared touch" surfaces
Where this cannot be eliminated, surfaces will be sanitised after each touch
We have moved to cashless payments. Accepted payments include EFTPOS (no touch Tap & Go up to $200), Fee From Refund, and direct deposits. No cash will be accepted.
We are also taking no risks with our people. Any associate or client who is unwell and showing even mild "flu- or cold-like symptoms" will be asked to not come to the office until the symptoms have gone.

ONLINE TAX ADVISER

Want your return prepared by an experienced tax consultant, but can't make it into the office? Online Tax Adviser has you covered. Get the same service you expect in person, but through the convenience of our secure online portal. Learn more

ONLINE TAX EXPRESS

The fast and easy option for completing your tax return as fast as possible. Simply log in, fill out your details, complete your tax return online quickly and we will review your return for you. Learn more

As more information comes to light, we will continue to refine our approach to COVID-19 and update you accordingly. We remain confident in the actions we've already taken, and our plans to safeguard the health of our clients and H&R Block associates.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the Australian Department of Health.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your continued trust in H&R Block.

Brodie Dixon

Managing Director, H&R Block Australia

COVID-19 update for New South Wales

The COVID-19 Disaster Payment is a one-off cash payment for each period of lockdown:

If you've lost less than 20 hours of work, you can receive $325.
If you lost 20 hours or more of work, you can receive $500.

The payment is only accessible if you are locked down for more than seven days.
Eligible workers affected by the lockdown in NSW for more than 14 days can claim a second COVID-19 Disaster Payment from 8 July 2021.
From that date, workers can claim a second COVID-19 Disaster Payment if they’ve been in lockdown for more than 14 days in the seven Local Government Areas (LGA) of Bayside, City of Sydney, Canada Bay, Inner West, Randwick, Waverley, and Woollahra.
Eligible people in these areas will also be able to claim a third COVID-19 Disaster Payment from 15 July, as they enter their fourth week of lockdown.
From Sunday 11 July, those affected by lockdowns in the rest of Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast and Wollongong will be able to claim a second payment.
The applicants will no longer be required to declare less than $10,000 in liquid assets to be eligible for the payment where the lockdown extends into a third week. Liquid assets includes bank savings, trust fund money or shares but does not include your house or car.
People who were in a Commonwealth declared hotspot and have not worked because of a restricted movement order when they returned to other parts of NSW or other states may also be eligible for the payment.
Eligible people can lodge a claim for the additional COVID-19 Disaster Payments online through myGov, once their area becomes eligible.

Tax News COVID-19 Updates

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