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Medicare levy exemption letter

What to do if you disagree with data-matching details that show you may not be eligible for the Medicare levy exemption.

Last updated 9 August 2022

Receiving your letter

You may be eligible for the Medicare levy exemption if you were in an exemption category at any time in the income year.

You may receive a letter if we receive information that suggests you may not be eligible for an exemption and you claimed the Medicare levy exemption in your tax return.

The letter will include a summary that compares relevant information in your tax return with information we have.

We'll send the letter to the most recent postal address we have for you.

What you need to do

Review the summary and compare the information it contains with your records. You can then determine if you agree or disagree.

If you have a question, we have a dedicated phone line you can use. You can phone us on 1300 768 912 and select option 3 between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

Quote the reference number from your letter when you contact us. You can find it at the top right of your letter.

Example: letter contents

Em got a letter from the ATO with the summary of proposed changes to her tax return.

Summary of proposed changes to your 2022 tax return
Summary of proposed changes to your 2022 tax return

Tax return item and description

Original value

New value

M1 Full levy exemption – number of days

365

0

Claim type

C

n/a

 

End of example

This is a sample – your letter will contain your own details.

If you agree

If you agree with our information, you don’t need to do anything. We’ll send you an amended notice of assessment 56 days after the date shown on your letter. If you have a myGov account linked to ATO online services, we’ll send your amended notice to your myGov inbox.

Once you receive your amended notice of assessment, you'll need to pay any amounts you owe us by the due date.

If you disagree

If you disagree with the details reported, you need to let us know before the due date noted in your letter. You can contact us by either:

The internet isn't a secure environment and we don't control the path of inbound and outbound emails. If you choose to communicate with us by email, we can't guarantee the privacy of your personal information.

If you respond within 56 days

Once we’ve assessed your response, you’ll receive an amended notice of assessment. The case officer reviewing your supporting documents may contact you if we require additional information.

If you don't respond

If we don't receive a response from you within 56 days of your letter's date of issue, we’ll automatically amend your tax return using the information we have. You’ll then receive an amended notice of assessment.

Supporting documents

If you disagree with the information in the letter about your Medicare levy exemption, we may ask you to provide supporting documents as evidence of your exemption. This may include:

  • a Services Australia Medicare entitlement statement showing you were a temporary resident for Medicare purposes and not entitled to Medicare benefits for the relevant income year and either  
  • a Services Australia Medicare entitlement statement for your dependant spouse if they are a temporary resident and not entitled to Medicare benefits for the relevant income year
  • evidence that shows you received a sickness allowance from Centrelink, such as a payment summary
  • evidence you're entitled to full free medical treatment for all conditions under Defence Force arrangements or the Veterans’ Affairs Repatriation Health Card (Gold Card) or repatriation arrangements.

QC43493