Low income earners may need to lodge

If your client's taxable income is under the tax-free threshold, they may still need to lodge a tax return.

On this page

• When you need to lodge
• If you're not sure whether to lodge

When you need to lodge

Common reasons for needing to lodge a tax return when under the tax-free threshold include if the client either:

• had pay as you go (PAYG) withheld from payments received during the year
• had a reportable fringe benefits amount on their income statement or PAYG payment summary
• had reportable employer superannuation contributions on their income statement or PAYG payment summary
• made a loss or can claim a loss made in a previous year
• were an Australian resident for tax purposes and had exempt foreign employment income and $1 or more of other income
• were entitled to the private health insurance rebate but did not claim their correct entitlement as a premium reduction
• were a liable or recipient parent under a child support assessment, unless both of the following applied     
  • they received one or more Australian Government allowances, pensions or payments (listed on the Individual tax return instructions 2023 at question 5 or question 6) for the whole year
  • their income was less than $27,509.

If you're not sure whether to lodge

If you're unsure whether to lodge, refer to Do you need to lodge a tax return? 2023.