The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.L.30 Lodgement year

Definition

For the purposes of FA, the lodgement year is the financial year immediately following the relevant income year (1.1.R.23). It is the year in which the individual and/or their partner are required to lodge an income tax return in respect of the relevant income year or inform Centrelink that they are not required to lodge an income tax return. It is also the year in which a lump sum claimant must lodge their past period claim (1.1.P.60) for the relevant income year and confirm income.

Lodgement period

Individuals and/or their partners who are required to lodge an income tax return must do so within 12 months of the end of the relevant income year (lodgement period). The same timeframe applies to individuals to notify they are not required to lodge.

If an individual who receives FTB and/or their partner fail to lodge an income tax return by the end of the lodgement year or fail to inform Centrelink that they and/or their partner are not required to lodge an income tax return, a debt will be raised against them. The debt may be comprised of all the FTB they received for the relevant income year. Any SBP paid (where paid under the FTB Part A eligibility test) will also be raised as a debt. Additionally, if individuals subsequently lodge an income tax return or confirm they are not required to lodge after the lodgement period, supplements and top-ups may not be paid.

Individuals who intend to lodge a past period claim for an income year must do so within 12 months of the end of that income year. These individuals, and/or their partners, must lodge an income tax return if required or notify they are not required to lodge within 12 months of the end of the relevant income year (lodgement period). If lump sum claimants fail to meet these timeframes, their lump sum claim will be deemed ineffective.

Policy reference: FA Guide 6.4.3 Requirement to lodge an income tax return, 4.2 Claims for FTB, 4.2.3.10 Restrictions on determining FTB claims

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