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Do Disability Pensioners need to lodge tax returns?

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Q. Hello, Do you have to lodge A tax return if you are on the Disability pension, I am unsure as this is my first full year on the pension. I have no other income.
Kind regards
Teresa

Josie’s Answer: Teresa thanks for posting a question on www.askjosiekay.com. According to the Australian Taxation Office website, you probably don’t need to lodge an income tax return, if you are on the disability pension and have reached aged pension age.

You can read more about it here.

Basically, they are saying that if you received a pension, allowance or payment listed below and your taxable income was MORE THAN the following relevant amounts:

• $21,637 – if you were single, widowed or separated at any time during the year
• $20,710 – if you had a spouse but one of you lived in a nursing home or you had to live apart due to illness
• $18,330 – if you lived with your spouse for the full year

Then do you need to lodge an Income tax return?

Below is a list of the pensions, allowances or payments that the above amounts relates to. Please note that it specifically states ‘disability support pension and you have reached age pension age’. Pensions, allowances and payments

• • age pension
  • bereavement allowance
  • carer payment
  • disability support pension and you have reached age pension age
  • education entry payment
  • parenting payment (single)
  • widow B pension
  • wife pension and either you or your partner was of age pension age
  • age service pension
  • income support supplement
  • Defence Force income support allowance (DFISA) where the pension, payment or allowance to which it relates is taxable
  • invalidity service pension and you have reached age pension age
  • partner service pension.

As you did not mention your age, if you have not reached aged pension age, you may need to lodge an income tax return. The Tax Office has a number of volunteers which can help individuals who need assistance with completing tax returns. The great thing is that there is no cost attached to this service. To see if someone in your area is available to help you, please call the Tax Help centre on 13 28 61. Wishing you all the best for the future. Josie

Don’t forget that the above information is general in nature and not specific to your goals and objectives. It is recommended that you seek personal financial advice specific to your needs. Thanks for posting your question on www.askjosiekay.com. As you know, this is a free service and if you found it useful, we would be chuffed if you told your friends, family and workmates about www.askjosiekay.com – free financial advice by a Certified Financial Planner, without the sales pressure. Happy money organisation.

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