Centrelink recipients who have already submitted their tax return are advised that they may need to resubmit following a change.
Services Australia said information on the Centrelink payment summary, which is used to complete a tax return, may have been amended due to recently implemented payment changes.
Those receiving benefit payments should watch for a physical letter in the mail or a digital letter in their myGov inbox to notify them of any changes.
Services Australia said that for those who have not yet completed their tax return, changes must be pre-filled on their myTax form.
“When you lodge your tax return, please check that the details pre-filled in ATO myTax match the details in the letter we sent you,” Services Australia said.
‘If it matches, file your tax return as normal. If it doesn’t match, you can either amend it yourself to match the details on the letter and then file it or contact the ATO via their website.’
For those who have already filed their tax return and receive a letter informing them of a change, the process is the same.
They will need to log into myTax and fill out their information again and make sure it matches the letter before submitting it again.
Centrelink benefit recipients may have to re-file their tax returns if they receive a letter from the ATO (file image)
Tax returns can be filed from July 1 and must be submitted by October 31, although if you use an accountant or tax agent, you can file them until May 15, 2025.
If you use a professional, they must be registered to handle your tax return by October 31.
Late filings generally carry a penalty of $313 for each 28-day period.
The ATO advises that refunds typically take around two weeks to be processed and deposited into banks.