Tax benefits for Families

Family Tax Benefit and Other Payments
Families can claim Family Tax Benefit A and B, Large Family Supplement and Multiple Birth Allowance through tax withholdings through the year. This means their tax payments are based on their estimate of the family income over the year. To reduce risk of overpayment an accurate assessment of income is important.

Family Tax Benefit can also be paid as a lump sum, in which case a tax return must be lodged before Family Tax Benefit Part A can be paid.

In some circumstances, such as if a Centrelink payment, or rent allowance are paid, Family Tax benefit must be paid fortnightly.

Child Care Rebate
Families who use approved child care may be eligible for a 30% child care rebate for the cost of child care, less the amount of Child Care Benefit received. Child Care Benefit is Means Tested, but Child Care Rebate is available to anyone using approved child care. Child Care Rebate is a tax offset, which reduces the tax liability when an income tax is lodged.

Click here for more information about Family Tax Benefit or Child Care Rebate and the tax system.

Family Assistance Office Internet Tools
Families can use the Family Assistance Office website to update income estimates, calculate Family Tax Benefit payments, manage child care benefits and make repayments.

Extra Money at the End of the Financial Year
If families have kept the Family Assistance Office informed about their income, they can get a Family Tax Benefit Supplement at the end of the financial year. This money is used to adjust any overpayments once the family’s income is advised to the tax office through their tax return.

If there is no overpayment, all the money goes to the family. This money can help families meet larger expenses.