Thousands tried to apply for a $1,500 JobKeeper salary subsidy every two weeks at the height of the COVID-19 epidemic, although they were not eligible for the money.
The plan aims to help those who lost their jobs during the blockade. It is reported that the Australian Revenue Authority has rejected more than 6,500 applicants trying to illegally use the scheme.
At the height of the epidemic, more than 3 million people received JobKeeper subsidies, and restrictions began to gradually lift in May.
ATO have paid nearly $13 billion in JobKeeper subsidies to 872,482 companies as of last month, according to the australian wide (ABC).
ATO have warned that unqualified businesses and employees will be required to "pay back" if they are found to have illegally received the subsidy.
ATO one speaker said ," We will periodically review 2 to 3 per cent of JobKeeper applications and we will use law weapons to punish those who deliberately defraud. "
She added that 6500 applications were rejected for a variety of reasons, including genuine errors and fraud.
If found guilty of a deliberate offence, the applicant's allowance may be withheld, a huge fine may even go to prison.
With the federal government reviewing the A $70 billion JobKeeper, ATO said 3,000 staff would conduct ongoing reviews of employment applications.
These "compliance" reviews also target other COVID-19-related incentives.
This week, ATO also sent letters to some 8,000 companies across the country warning them that they might be asked to repay the grants they received during the COVID-19.
Many of these self-employed individuals have been operating since July 1 last year, with a turnover of less than A$75,000. Because, as part of the JobKeeper application requirements, they cannot provide the corresponding tax return.
According to the Times, ATO wrote in an email ," If we do not receive any information within 14 days, we will inform you that you will no longer be able to receive this subsidy. "
"If you make a mistake, you may not have to repay the money you have received. "
Some self-employed people who have lost almost all of their income are worried that they will be in financial distress by returning the benefits they receive reasonably.
JobKeeper application states that if a business or employee is unsure whether they are eligible for the subsidy, they'd better call ATO..
ATO speaker confirm that after a long and difficult period has enterprises and employees, they will try to ensure that all eligible recipients receive JobKeeper..
"We will not grant this benefit to enterprises that do not meet the eligibility requirements ," the speaker said. ATO will work with business operators to avoid and overcome inadvertent mistakes. "
