Invalid & Carer Tax Offset Explained: Who Can Claim It

The Invalid and Carer Tax Offset reduces your tax bill if you financially support someone on a disability pension or a government carer payment. To qualify, your income must be under $112,578 and the person you support must be an eligible spouse, child, parent, or sibling who receives the right Australian pension or allowance. GoTax helps you confirm eligibility and claim it in your online tax return.

What is the Invalid & Carer Tax Offset?

This offset is a tax discount for Aussies who support family members with a disability or who are carers. It doesn’t give you a cash payout — instead, it reduces the tax you owe.

Who Can You Claim For?

You may be eligible if you support:

An “Invalid” (must be an Australian resident receiving one of these):

• Disability Support Pension (Social Security Act 1991)

• Special Needs DSP

• Invalidity Service Pension (Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986)

And they must be your:

• Spouse

• Child or stepchild (16 or older)

• Step-sibling or sibling (16 or older)

• Parent or parent-in-law

An “Invalid Carer” who is:

• Your spouse, parent, or spouse’s parent

• Receiving a Carer Payment or Carer Allowance

• Caring for your (or your spouse’s) invalid child or sibling (16+)

Income Limits

• For spouse claims → Your Adjusted Taxable Income (ATI) must be $112,578 or less.

• For other dependants → Your combined ATI with your spouse must also be $112,578 or less.

How Much Can You Claim?

The amount depends on:

• How many dependants you support

• Your ATI

You’ll claim this in the “Other tax offsets” section of your return. GoTax handles the calculations automatically so you don’t need the ATO’s clunky calculator.

Records You Need to Keep

• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)

• Proof of qualifying pension or carer payment

• Evidence of financial support (rent, bills, medical costs, food)

• Your income details and ATI calculation

Hold onto these for five years in case the ATO asks.

Gotax Online FAQ – Real Questions, Real Fast

Q: My dad gets the DSP. Can I claim?
A: Yes, if you support him financially and your income is under the limit.

Q: My partner cares for my disabled sister and gets a carer payment. Can I claim?
A: Yes, if your partner is your spouse and you meet the income test.

Q: Can I claim if the person I support lives overseas?
A: No. They must live in Australia and get an Australian pension.

Q: What does “maintaining” someone mean?
A: Paying their housing, food, bills, or medical needs — not just doing favours.

Bottom Line

If you’re supporting someone on a disability pension or a carer payment — and your income is below the threshold — you could be eligible for this tax offset. The key is proving your relationship, support, and income position.

Call to Action

Don’t stress over whether you qualify. GoTax makes claiming the Invalid & Carer Offset simple. We’ll ask the right questions, crunch the numbers, and apply the offset for you.

Start your online tax return with GoTax today: https://www.gotax.com.au/guest-user

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Start your return now: www.gotax.com.au/guest-user