A new online lodgment service
MyTax is our new streamlined lodgment service for taxpayers with simple tax affairs. It works on mobile devices, tablets and computers and most refunds are issued within 12 business days. For more information go to ato.gov.au/lodgeonline
Net medical expenses tax offset
Eligibility for the net medical expenses tax offset has changed, restricting who can claim and what medical expenses you can claim. You can only claim this offset if you have either:
- received this offset in your 2012–13 income tax assessment and have medical expenses for 2013–14, or
- paid for medical expenses relating to disability aids, attendant care or aged care in 2013–14.
For more information see question T6 in the Tax return for individuals (supplementary section) 2014.
Private health insurance rebate
From 1 July 2013, the Australian Government private health insurance rebate is no longer payable on the lifetime health cover loading component of the private health insurance premiums.
From 1 April 2014, the Australian Government private health insurance rebate will be adjusted annually by the proportional increase in the consumer price index compared to the proportional increase in the average premium.
You must have your statement from your registered health insurer to complete this question. For more information go to ato.gov.au/privatehealthinsurance
Claim only one set of franking credits: don’t engage in dividend washing
The dividend washing integrity rule applies from 1 July 2013. The integrity rule prevents you from claiming franking credits where you have received a dividend as a result of dividend washing.
Dividend washing occurs where you, or an entity connect to you, claim two sets of franking credits by:
selling shares that are held on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and have become ‘ex-dividend’, and then
purchasing some substantially identical shares using a special ASX trading market.
The dividend washing integrity rule does not apply if:
you are an individual, and
you received no more than $5,000 in franking credits during 2013–14.
However, the dividend washing integrity rule applies where dividends flow indirectly to you through your interest in a trust or partnership.
The Commissioner may also apply the anti-avoidance legislation to deny franking credit benefits to any dividend washing transactions.
See ato.gov.au/dividendwashing for more information.
Tax receipt
The tax receipt will outline how the tax you paid is allocated towards Government services such as welfare, health and education. It will also include information about Government debt.
Most people will receive a tax receipt with their Notice of Assessment. For more information go to ato.gov.au/taxreceipt
A list of new initiatives incorporated in this year's Individual tax return instructions.