The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced that Typhoon Morakot, which hit Taiwan on Friday, 7 August 2009, has been recognised as a disaster for the purpose of allowing Australians to claim a tax deduction for donations made to charities for relief efforts.
"This tragic event has resulted in significant and widespread damage through flooding and mudslides," the Assistant Treasurer said.
"The latest reports estimate that the death toll from Typhoon Morakot may exceed 500 and several thousand people are believed to remain stranded without food or potable water."
"The thoughts of the Australian Government and all Australians remain with the people of Taiwan at this difficult time."
The recognition of a disaster means that public funds established and maintained by a public benevolent institution solely to provide money for the relief of people in Taiwan who are in distress as a result of the Typhoon Morakot can be established.
Donations to such funds are tax deductible for a period of two years from 7 August 2009. Taxpayers should ensure that they retain a receipt for their donation.
Further information on establishing a developed country disaster relief fund is available at the Australian Taxation Office website www.ato.gov.au/nonprofit.
This announcement is in addition to the assistance of $200,000 in emergency supplies to Taiwan already announced by the Australian Government.