We see through ProBono Australia that the Australian Tax Office (ATO) is expanding fuel tax credits, meaning more NonProfits will be able to reduce their organisation’s fuel costs.
From 1 July 2008 NonProfits may be able to claim fuel tax credits for fuel they buy and use in a range of activities for which they weren’t eligible to claim before:
The only fuels that are NOT eligible are aviation fuels, alternative fuels and fuels used in light vehicles of 4.5 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) or less travelling on a public road (for example, a car or small van).
NonProfits must be registered for GST and fuel tax credits before they can make a claim for these new entitlements.
Those organisations registered for GST can register for fuel tax credits now by phoning 13 72 26 anytime (24 hours a day, seven days a week).
Organisations must provide a tax file number and Australian business number (ABN) when they call.
The ATO has an online decision-tool designed to assist organisations in determining whether the fuel they use may be eligible for fuel tax credits.
The tool will help you to determine:
– whether the fuel used in business activities, machinery, plant or equipment or vehicles is eligible for fuel tax credits
– what fuel tax credit rate can be claimed for the eligible fuel use
This ‘decision tool’ can be found at: calculators.ato.gov.au/scripts/net/FTC/Welcome.aspx”>.