Media Release

Minister reminds people to lodge their tax return

8 April 2008

Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, today reminded families who have not lodged their 2006-07 tax return to do so quickly, to ensure they have received the correct amount of Family Tax Benefit.

“The Family Assistance Office (FAO) has an obligation to ensure the accuracy of payments made to assist with the cost of raising children,” Senator Ludwig said.

“One of the ways FAO does this is to check estimates of income against actual income earned and tax returns are a vital element in this process.”

“FAO will be writing to about 350,000 family customers encouraging them to lodge their return or to advise FAO if they’re not required to lodge a return for 2006-2007.”

“This is a routine mail out at this time of year as FAO seeks to complete reconciliation of family payments for 2006-2007.”

Senator Ludwig said customers that do not provide the required information could find they are asked to repay the family assistance payments received in 2006-2007.

“In some cases, the reconciliation will show that families were entitled to more family assistance than they received and they will be provided a top-up,” Senator Ludwig said.

“But where customers have been over-paid, or they do not provide the required income information, they will have to repay,” said Senator Ludwig.

The required information can be provided on a form in the mail-out or customers can go online at www.familyassist.gov.au.

Anyone with questions or those seeking information about family payments can call the Family Assistance Office on 13 61 50.

Media Contact: Barb Barrett—0448 469 787.