Tax bonus payments on track

Media release 2009/31

Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo today announced the Tax Office has distributed 6.5 million tax bonus payments and is on track to distribute 7.8 million payments by 16 May 2009.

Mr D’Ascenzo said it’s really important that people know it’s not too late for those who are eligible to lodge their 2007-08 return but time is fast running out.

“There could be up to 800,000 people eligible for the tax bonus who have not yet lodged their 2007-08 return,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.

“It’s important that if you think you are eligible and haven’t lodged your return that you make arrangements now for your return to be lodged.

“You may want to consider providing your bank account details on your return to get your payment sooner.

“If you don’t lodge your return by 30 June 2009 you will miss out on the payment, unless you already have an extension.”

For people who do their own tax return, e-tax is still available until 31 May 2009 and people can also lodge through their tax agent, by post or via phone.

The payments are being made automatically based on details from 2007-08 tax returns.

“While we are working hard on the distribution of these payments, we aren’t able to provide information about the progress of individual payments until after 16 May,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.

“Our call centres will be open on weekends from 16 May to 24 May 2009 as well as Monday to Friday to resolve any tax bonus payment issues.”

Detailed information about eligibility for the tax bonus payment is available from www.ato.gov.au

Last Modified: Wednesday, 6 May 2009

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