Centrelink recipients who have already filed their tax returns are being warned that they may need to re-file them following a change.
According to Services Australia, the information in the Centrelink payment summary, which is used to complete a tax return, may have changed due to changes to recently entered payments.
People receiving benefits should keep an eye out for a physical letter in the post or a digital letter in their MyGov inbox notifying them of any changes.
Services Australia advised that for those who have not yet completed their tax returns, the changes should already be entered on their MyTax form.
“When you file your tax return, please check that the pre-filled details in ATO myTax match the details in the letter from us,” Services Australia said.
‘If it matches, then file your tax return as normal. If it doesn’t match, you can either amend it yourself to match the details in the letter and then file it or contact the ATO via their website.’
For people who have already filed their tax return and receive a letter notifying them of a change, the same process applies.
They will need to log into MyTax and re-enter their details, checking that they match the letter before re-submitting.
Centrelink benefit recipients may need to re-file their tax returns if they receive a letter from the ATO (stock image)
Tax returns can be filed starting July 1 and must be filed by October 31. If you hire a tax advisor or tax consultant, you can file them up to and including May 15, 2025.
If you hire a professional, they must be registered by October 31 to process your tax return.
Late filings typically result in a penalty of $313 per 28-day period.
The ATO states that it typically takes two weeks for refunds to be processed and deposited into the bank account.
