Do People on Centrelink do a tax return?

If you get a taxable Centrelink payment, you may need to lodge a tax return at the end of the tax year. Generally speaking, you have until the 31^st of October to do this.  You can use the myGov website (very confusing) or use reputable tax agents such as gotax.com.au.

A Centrelink payment summary will issue for many of the benefits Centrelink provides.  In many cases tax may have been deducted from some of the payments, in which case you will need to file a tax return to see if you are entitled to a tax refund.

Centrelink may also require you to file an Income Tax return as proof of no other income to support your ongoing entitlements.

If you've earned other income such as wages income or income from investments during the year, you will most certainly need to lodge an income tax return.

Be aware that all Centrelink information is downloaded to ATO systems in preparation of any tax return requirements.   Gotax as a registered Tax Agent has access to that information for you.

Here is a list of taxable Centrelink payments:

• ABSTUDY Living Allowance, if you’re 16 or older
• Age Pension
• Austudy
• Carer Payment, if you or the care receiver is Age Pension age
• Dad and Partner Pay
• Disability Support Pension, if you’re Age Pension age
• Disaster Recovery Allowance
• Farm Household Allowance
• JobSeeker Payment
• Parental Leave Pay from us
• Parenting Payment
• Special Benefit
• Youth Allowance, if you’re 16 or older.

For tax returns online, use the link to head on over to gotax.com.au.