I know I have posted this before but many people still seem unaware that you can no longer lodge an annual lump sum Family Tax Benefit claim through the Tax Office with your tax return.
If you receive FTB as fortnightly payments, this change to claiming will not affect you.
It’s unfortunate because, let’s face it, the reason most people opt to lodge annually with their tax is so they don’t have to deal with the cumbersome paperwork or lengthy queues we’ve come to expect from Centrelink!
The good news is that you can claim FTB online at www.familyassist.gov.au or www.centrelink.gov.au or by lodging a paper claim form in person at your local Centrelink or Medicare office.
Also, this year FTB top-up payments are not included in the Notice of Assessment from the ATO with your tax refund. You will receive any balancing payments directly from the Family Assistance Office after your income tax is lodged or you have advised them you are not required to lodge.
Article by Christie Lewis
Christie is Practice Manager at Alan Lewis Accountants . Besides accounting, her passion is for all things small business (and blogging, of course). You can contact Christie directly at christie@lewistaxation.com.au.
Christie has written 799 awesome articles for us at Alan Lewis Accountants – BLOG
Twitter: @christielewis
