Warning: This information may not apply to the current year. Check the content carefully to ensure it is applicable to your circumstances.
Do you earn under $40,000 a year and have simple tax affairs? If so you may be eligible for the Tax Office’s free Tax Help service.
Tax Help is a free and confidential service provided to low income earners by a network of Tax Office-trained community volunteers.
Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo said Tax Help volunteers can assist people with straightforward tax matters or those preparing a tax return for the first time.
“They can help with claims for education tax refund, a refund of imputation (formerly called franking) credits and baby bonus applications,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.
“Our volunteers have helped more than 650,000 people over the past 20 years, including people from non-English speaking and Indigenous backgrounds, those with disabilities and young people lodging a tax return for the first time.”
Tim Radford, a retired maths teacher and high school principal, has volunteered for six years.
“I help people with their tax returns, including making claims and deductions.” Mr Radford said.
“I look forward to meeting my regular clients, as well as the new ones. It gives me the opportunity to help people in the community.”
The Tax Help service will be provided by approximately 1,300 volunteers operating out of 850 community centres throughout Australia.
You are eligible for Tax Help if you are:
- a single person and your taxable income is $40,000 or less
- married or de facto and your taxable income is $40,000 or less, plus $2,500 for each child
- a single parent and your taxable income is $40,000 or less, plus $2,500 for each child.
Tax Help is available by appointment at convenient community-based locations in most areas until the end of October.
Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo also said he wanted to take this opportunity to thank Tax Help volunteers.
“These volunteers are doing a wonderful job helping those in the community most in need of help in relation to their tax returns,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.
If you are not sure where your nearest Tax Help centre is or you want to know if you’re eligible, call the Tax Office on 13 28 61.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Subscribe
