Don’t miss out on your Child Care Subsidy or Family Tax Benefit

If you (or your partner) fail to lodge your 2021 Individual tax return by 30 June 2022, Services Australia may stop access to your Child Care Subsidy (CSC), which means you will be responsible for the full cost of your childcare. You may also lose out on what you are due for Family Tax Benefit (FTB).

Child Care Subsidy

CCS assists with the cost of childcare.

To qualify you must:

• Care for a child 13 or younger who’s not attending secondary school, unless an exemption applies
• Use an approved childcare service
• Be responsible for paying the childcare fees
• Meet residency and immunisation requirements.

Family Tax Benefit

FTB is a two-part payment that helps with the cost of raising children.

To qualify you must:

• Have a dependent child or full-time secondary student aged 16-19 who isn’t getting a pension, payment or benefit like Youth Allowance
• Care for the child for at least 35% of the time
• Meet an income test

Those receiving FTB are also required to lodge their 2021 tax return by 30 June 2022 to receive the correct payment amount.

If you did not get FTB during 2020-21, you have until 30 June 2022 to claim it as a lump sum payment. You can do this using your Centrelink online account through myGov.

What if I miss the deadline?

An ATO deferral is not a Services Australia deferral.

If you do not confirm your family income before 30 June, you may need to pay back the FTB you received in 2020-21. You may also miss out on top up and supplement payments if you are eligible.

Services Australia can assist those with special circumstances. Call them on 13 61 50 to discuss your situation.

If you are not required to lodge a tax return for the 2020–21 year and have not yet informed the ATO or Services Australia, you should:

• notify the ATO that a return is not necessary before 30 June 2022, and
• notify Services Australia directly.

How we can help

If you need help with completing your individual tax return, contact us today on 03 8594 1811 or complete our contact form. We’ll be glad to help.

Date published 27 May 2022 | Last updated 9 Jul 2022

This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.