As the end of the financial year fast approaches, Australians are being reminded to finalise last year’s tax affairs or risk missing out on family assistance payments.
Department of Human Services General Manager Hank Jongen said some families are yet to finalise their 2013–14 tax affairs.
“Families must either lodge their tax return, or let the department know they do not need to, by June 30 to make sure they don’t miss out on receiving family assistance, including the Family Tax Benefit Part A supplement.” Mr Jongen said.
“The easiest way to tell the department that you do not need to lodge a tax return is through your Centrelink online services account. Alternatively, if you are required to lodge a tax return, you can do this through your Australian Taxation Office online services account. You can conveniently access both online services via myGov.
“You can also tell the department you don’t need to lodge a tax return using the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.”
Mr Jongen said the department’s range of online services makes it more convenient for families to do their business with the department and gives them more control over their information.
“The end of the financial year is not only a great time to finalise past tax returns, but to get a head start for next financial year,” Mr Jongen said.
“Families can update their income estimate for next year now, using their Centrelink online account via myGov, and can also check if their personal details are correct at anytime.
“The online rate estimator, which can be found on the department’s website, is also a handy tool to help families plan ahead and see how changes to their own circumstances, or changes to family payments that come into effect from 1 July 2015, may affect their payments.”
Find out more about lodging your tax return for family assistance by visiting humanservices.gov.au/taxnonlodgement
To login or register for a myGov account go to my.gov.au