Local law firm Barefoot Law have produced a range of letter templates to assist those severely financially impacted by COVID-19.
They include templates for those who have lost their jobs or small businesses needing to apply to the ATO for the government’s JobKeeper assistance.
A template for a sole trader/self employed making a JobKeeper application to the ATO is also included.
In all cases, all employers, sole traders and self-employed people must first register for JobKeeper at theATO.
A template to send to lenders and creditors, such as banks and telcos, is also available, along with a letter to landlords and real estate agents for those facing dire financial hardships.
Barefoot Law’s Mark Swivel says, ‘All creditors face challenges enforcing their debts in this time of flux with the courts not functioning in the ordinary way’.
‘However, you can still face risks to your credit rating and could even lose the service or goods you owe money for.
Communicate and negotiate
‘Our general advice is to communicate and negotiate. This moment will pass (eventually) and your debts will remain legally enforceable in the future’.
‘You need to remember that the law and rules are new and may change, especially as grey areas are clarified.
‘If you have an accountant, Barefoot Law strongly recommends you consult them before writing to the ATO. If you have any questions or improvement suggestions for our templates, let us know.’
Swivel has also created an online COVID-19 Help Hub on his website. Barefoot Law moved online on March 16.
See the templates at Barefoot Law.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
