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.R.103 Reference tax year (CA)

Definition

For the purposes of CA, the reference tax year is usually the tax year immediately before the current tax year in which CA is claimed or recipient is reviewed. If the applicant has not received a TNA for that tax year, the tax year immediately preceding that will be the reference tax year.

If the person has informed the Secretary in writing that they wish to have their qualification for CA determined by reference to their ATI (3.6.7.32) for the tax year (the current tax year) in which the test day occurred, the person's reference tax year is the current tax year.

The test day is the day a person satisfies the CA income test.

Members of a couple must use the same reference tax year.

Example: If Andrew had not received his TNA for the 2017-18 tax year, he would be able to provide his TNA from the tax year immediately preceding that year, the 2016-17 tax year, this will be the reference tax year.

Act reference: SSAct section 23(1)-'tax year'

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