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The RD Guide to the 2009 Australian Government Stimulus Package Handouts
By now, you've probably heard that the Australian Government is introducing a stimulus package to try to buoy the Australian economy. One of the components of this stimulus package is a cash payment to Australian taxpayers. It's a nice wee bonus! But how do you get your entitlement? Have a look at our guide for a rundown.
How much stimulus money will you get?
It depends on what your total income from all sources was last year. The payment will be:
- $900 if your taxable income is up to and including $80,000
- $600 if your taxable income is between $80,001 and $90,000, and
- $250 if your taxable income is between $90,001 and $100,000.
There are some exclusions, however:
- You must have paid at least some tax in the year 2007-2008 to qualify. If you earned less than the tax free threshold of $6,000 last year you will not receive a payment.
- If you earned more than $100,000 last year you won't receive a benefit payment.
- You must be over 18 to qualify.
So how do I get my stimulus payment?
All you need to do to get your stimulus payment is make sure you have submitted a tax return for the financial year 2007-2008. If you've already done this, then you will receive your payment sooner. If you haven't, the sooner you complete your return the sooner you'll receive your payment. You must complete your 2007-2008 return by June 30, 2009 to receive your payment.
How is the bonus paid?
The payment will be credited straight into the bank account you nominated in your 2007-2008 tax return. If you didn't nominate an account, a cheque for the amount will be sent to the address specified on your tax return.
If either of these details have changed, you need to tell the ATO! Your bank account and/or address details need to be changed by March 15th. You can change your details online or call the tax office on 1300 686 636.
When will you get it?
The Government is starting stimulus payments in early April, 2009. There's no set timeframe for when the payments will be completed.
You're free to spend your stimulus package anyway you like. Some enterprising companies have even come up with a few clever promotions...
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Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
I've been overwhelmed with emails about this article! Sorry if I haven't been able to get back to all of you.
If you do have any more questions, please comment on the story and I'll reply to you this way.
Anonymous
Hi, Ive checked the ato website calculator and put in the info required, I get a comsuper pension and my last tax return assessment has nothing about medicare levy, item O on the website questionaire, If I dont put this sum in it wont do anything.
My income was only $31,000 total and I support my wife. Im not of pension age yet so I got 0 last Dec.
What STIMULUS ??????
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
Did you pay tax last year? Have you completed your 07/08 tax return? If so, you should be eligible.
If you haven't received a payment yet, I would chase up the ATO - call them on 13 28 61.
william
hi ive been waiting for my stimulus pakage.
i just want bto no if i am eligable for it cos i am starting to wonder.
I earned about $12,000 last tax return.
I also done my tax return on the internet will this slow down my $900?
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
Hi William.
You're above the tax free threshold of $6,000, so if you filed a tax return last year and paid some tax you should get a payment.
Filing your tax return online (I assume you mean with e-tax) shouldn't be a problem. I did my own return with e-tax last year and received my payment about 3 weeks ago.
If you've changed address or bank account since your last tax return you may not have received your check or payment yet. To be on the safe side call the ATO on 13 28 61.
Eleora Danann
Hi,
Its the 15th of May and both my partner and I havent recieved or stimulus package. We are both entitled to it and we completed our tax returns last year. Do you know who we should contact in regards to not getting this payment? Is there a website? And do you have any ideas on why we still havent recived our payments..
Thank you so much
Elle
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
Hi Eleora,
Have you moved house or changed bank accounts? That might explain why you haven't yet received your payment.
There's no way to check over the web, unfortunately, but you can call the ATO on 13 28 61.
In my experience their call center is very efficient and helpful, so give it a shot. Let us know how you go.
Anonymous
Why is it that those who earned less than the $6000 threshold will not receive the incentive? It doesn't seem fair to those who need it most..
Anonymous
I got a payment in march through centerlink is this 900 from the tax department meant to be a bonus payment or was i only meant to get the family one
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
I think you're eligible for both payments, but best to check with Centrelink/The ATO.
Michelle
I have 2 daughters at college who both earned less than $6000 last year, however submitted tax returns. They dont receive any government assistance as my husband and I earn too much. Are they entitled to the stimulus payment? They werent entitled to the student bonus, however were under the impression they were entitled to the general bonus (which I am now thinking they may not be given the $6000 min)
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
Hi Michelle,
Because your daughters didn't pay tax last year, they are not eligible for the payment.
Anonymous
Just wondering I wasn't 18 when I filed my tax return last year but turned 18 the end of last year and was curious to know if I'm still entitled for the stimulus package.
Thanks Alicia
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
Hi Alicia,
From what I can tell, you should be eligible. Let us know how you go.
Anonymous
Hey matey, im still yet to recieve my stimulas package. Iv tryed to ring the ato on 132861 and cant get through then they tell you to ring the other number and that is blocked also.
Michelle
Sorry to be a pain. One more question. The girls did pay tax, but got it all back because they earned less than $6000 in their returns which, in my mind, should have triggered a payment. So despite being students they miss out entirely because they are full time and can only work 10-15 hours a week? Doesnt seem entirely fair to me. I agree with anonymous above, I have been trying to get through but the number is engaged and has been since 9:00.
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
According to the ATO their "adjusted tax liability" is 0, so they're not eligible for a payment.
Andrew
i earnt just over $10,000 last financial year but when i called the ATO, they said i wasn't eligible for the payment.
i made more than $6,000 last financial year.
i'm confused.
i called 1300 686 636 and it won't ring.
i called it about 10 times.
why am i not eligible for the payment?
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
You're probably not eligible because either your adjusted tax liability is 0 - I'm not sure why this is, but the ATO are the only ones who can answer that.
Mel
My sister turned 18 at the end of last year, she earned less than $6000 due to the fact she could only work a minimal amount of hours because she was doing yr 12, and she did her tax return and got all the tax she paid back, i know she wont get the stimulus package but doesn't that seem unfair seeing as she did pay tax, regardless of getting it all back, and wouldn't those who earn so little need it more. Im just saying.
Anonymous
hello
it is now the 18 may i havnt recieved my stimulus paymenti earnt $11700 paid i paid tax but got it all back does this mean i dont qualify for the stimulus pay ment
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
Hi there,
No tax paid means no stimulus payment, unfortunately.
christine
hi
paid over 1000.00 in tax but because im a veteran widow i received all my tax back is this the reason i did not get the stimulus package.
unfair when a friend was short by $1.50 of getting all back and received the package.
thanks
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
Hi Christine. Because the net tax you paid is 0, you are probably not eligible for a payment.
Stephen
After waiting all this time I only found out yesterday I was no eligible to receive any payment, education, tax or otherwise.
I was doing almost full time education till the end of last year and have only just started full time work this year.
I was a casual employee for the last two years and due to that I did not pay tax.
Why was such a major flaw within the system allowed to go through?
I have many friends, and even my own siblings, who are in the exact same position.
We all finished education last year and work this year so we are not allowed to see a single dollar of this payment.
What was the exact reason for this? Are we, the Literal future of Australia whom in some cases NEED this money, less deserving of this payment then the many millions of decently well off workers who have no immediate need, want or concern for this payment?
Anonymous
i earn 11,000 in a year, get 2 grand tax back. I cant recieve the payment. why should someone on 70 k get it? what a joke. Rudd, you nong!!!
Anonymous
I filed a tax return for the 07/08 financial yr. when u say earned unde rthe 6000 tax free threshold does this involve all taxible income or is it the tax payed have to be greter thab 6000 i dnt understand.
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
The $6000 tax free threshold refers to your income - all income under $6k is not taxed.
Anonymous
My 22 year old daughter is on a Disability Pension and a Wage Supported Scheme through Centrelink - working 18 hours a week. She had a taxable income of $9210.00 last year. She has not received a stimulus payment yet. Does she qualify for it.
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
If she paid tax last year, she should qualify.
Joseph
Hi
I am not yet 18, But in the 2007-08 financial year I had a taxable income of $10500. That is well over the $6000 threshold yet I cannot receive the stimulus package because I am under 18. What an outrage! What is the difference between me and someone over 18?
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
My understanding was that your age was not a factor in deciding eligibility - have you had confirmation you will not receive a payment from the ATO? Let us know, and if so, I'll update the article.
Nick
My wife has a taxable income of around $9000 for the previous tax year but she received a full refund on the tax she paid due to the "low income tax offset". The ATO refunded her $536 "tax on taxable income" and effectively saved themselves $364 (i.e. the balance of the tax and the stimulus package). I would have thought they should have at least given her the balance. What do you think?
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
It's tricky as I'm not really sure what the big-picture case for fair allocation of the payments was. It seems there a lot of marginal cases like this where it does seem unfair.
Another thing I have had many people complain to me personally about is the fact that people who now live overseas but paid tax in Australia last year received payments, which seems in some ways to defeat the purpose of stimulating the Australian economy.
Jo
I totally agree with Nick. My taxable income for 2007-08 was $22,000. I am a single parent working part time. Tax withheld was around $400 which I got back. I do feel short changed since this refund has stripped me from my right to receive $950 now. Where is the government logic in handing cheques to people on very comfortable incomes? Truly, if you are on $80,000 a year, you don't need help!
virginia
Hi, it's 20th May; I am eligible for package; can I still expect to receive it?
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
If you're eligible, you will receive your payment. It's important that your address and bank details are up to date with the ATO, however.
ABCDiamond
Due to the ATO giving rebates to low income earners, the vast majority of earners under about $11,000 will have ended up paying ZERO tax, after all rebates.
Those people will NOT be eligible for the Stimulus payment.
In effect, mainly people earning between $12,000 and $100,000 per year would be eligible.
Leo
Exactly what ABCDiamond said. Because of the low income tax offset's alot of students or otherwise do not receive the Stimulis payment.
I did do my tax return in august last year, and I waited all this time. I was puzzled as to why my the people around me were receiving the package before me even if they did their tax returns in february. I had to wait until after the 16th May before I could call their 1300 686 636 hotline where I found out my payment was void because I was under the low income tax offset and had all my tax returned to me. Therefore I was not eligible.
So effectively even if you did your tax, but received it all back so you ended up paying $0 to the government, you most likely will not receive your payment. Because it means you didnt pay any tax last year.
I thought this package was supposed to be targeted to low income earners. Due to certain technicalites alot of people are ineligible. I think they should really make it clear to people about the checklist they have in choosing who is eligible and who is not.
Otherwise more people like me will wait, and keep waiting. It makes me a little angry to have to find out this late.
Is there a place where I can find people who will look into this more?
Anonymous
hi my wife earned under $11000 last year did her tax return last year and has received no payment, no $900 what can we do? i only earned around the 35,000 mark and have received my payment. is there someone or some place where we can contact?
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
ATO is your best bet in every case. Try 1300 686 636 or 13 28 61.
Anonymous
I worked 3 months earning $18000 leading up to the end of the financial year in 2007.
Earned $65000 in 2008. Filed my tax returns for both years on time. recieved a confirmation letter from the tax agent i filed with for both years, that i would be getting the stimulus payment. confirmed my address with the agent as well as the ato & still i haven't recieved anything. Am i not eligible? Is there something i've missed? Have i been misinformed by my agent? Or do i have to be more patient for my new pushbike?
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
I'd contact your agent. It's important to find out where they have set up the payment to be paid to.
Anonymous
Hello, If I earnt just under $11,000, paid about $600 tax but will get back about $400 or so from the tax man, will I qualify to get the $900?
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
You should be eligible.
bec
I paid nothing towards a medicare levy, no amount at 'o' on my assessment, no mention of medicare levy at all on it. Does that mean i am ineligible? i earnt according to assessment: $21707
Item A- $2356.05
Item E- $1292
Item G- $2356
Item L- 1292
Label G included Low Income offset of $416.05 and also pension tax offset of $1940.
Does this mean i paid no tax? Why don't i get a bonus?
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
It looks as though you paid tax, and should be eligible for a payment. Check with the ATO or your tax accountant.
Anonymous
Hi
When did earning between 80k-100k fall into the low income bracket?
The eligibility requirements of the stimulus package are all screwed up and unfair to those who really need it.
I thought this package was aimed at low income earners...WHAT A JOKE
Jacqueline
Hi,
I am just looking for some clarification:
I am 19 and filed my tax return last year and i got all my tax back. a total of $100. I was at uni at the same time. Now it is to my understanding, that because i got my tax refunded, I am not eligible for the package?
I read a few days ago that apparently this was a mistake made by the gov and that despite having tax refunded, we should be recieving the payments for filing a tax return anyway...
I just want to know the final answer.
Thanks.
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
Hi Jacqueline,
My understanding is that you are not eligible as you did not pay tax, but as always, check with the ATO if you are unsure.
Anonymous
Good Morning,
I've been in the UK for 3 years until 2 Feb 2009 and returned to full time uni. As I didn't pay tax nor was I a resident, does this mean that I am not eligible even though I am a full time student over 18?
Thanks.
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
That's correct, you will not receive a payment.
Angry
I'm in the same situation, earned app. 10k, got a full tax refund, and as a result, it seems I'm not eligible. I really needed this money to keep my car from being repossessed and pay some very late debts owing- now I got skewered, while people earning way more than me are using those funds for holidays and pokies.
Some help. What a joke.
Kirsty
Can you please let me know how I can go about advising you of my bank account details for my stimulus payment? Last year I think my tax refund was sent by cheque and I have since moved house and I have also changed banks so need to update my details.
Thank you
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
Hi Kirsty
You need to contact the ATO to have your details changed. Call 1300 686 636 and they should be able to fix it up for you.
Anonymous
I earnt 12,000 last year because I got offsets single mum Igot a rebate of 930 on my Ion my assesment no medicare levy. anyway I did a calculator if my tax had of being 20 cents more than my offsets I would have qualified it seems strange your tax you paid is exactly same as offsets 20 cents doesnt seem right
Anonymous
Hi, I have unfortunately only made $5991 due to being a student in 07-08. I was really dissapointed to hear that I'll be missing out but also EXTREMELY mad when I found out that mistakes have been made and several people I know around me have been paid the stimulous even though they we not supposed to. (for similar reasons)
How does this happen? Who is responsible for this? I deserve it as much as the others who didn't earn it.
Thanks!
Single Mum
The ads on the TV and in the paper were very misleading
IF you earn up to $80,000 you will receive the $900 payment
I fell into this category, but found out recently there was a minimum amount.
Very misleading, wouldnt you say
Anonymous
my husband earned $22000 and i earnd $10000
we submitted a tax return for 2007-2008 we paid nill tax
we had to dip into our savings to help pay some of our bills
last year , both my husband and I had a lot of health problems
I really don't know what they were thinking when the decided on who
would be elegible for this package how could they get it so wrong ?
john
My friend has been told that she is not eligible for the stimulus package because she received a low income rebate and the over 55 age rebate. She was advised that the rebates she received were higher than the tax she paid thus she is not entitled to the $900- . Is this correct?. Why is it that people earning $80000- can receive it but low income eraners cant? This seems highly unfair. I myself earn a similar salary, the only difference being I dont get the $500- age rebate, but I still received the $900 stimulus package.
I am confused.
anonymous
Reading viewers comments it seems that low income earners are not eligible for this payment. How unfair
Megan
It seems so completely against the intent of the stimulus package that a low income tax offset can render someone ineligible for the $900. I think I'd rather the $900 than the $500 tax offset....I can't understand the logic behind this criteria.
I paid my PAYG dollars, the ATO happily deducted my low income - can I at least get the few $ interest earned on that sum.... If only I was a higher income earner I could have been eligible....Sorry, just ventilating frustration.
Anon
My girlfriend is a backpacker, she worked 3 months last financial year and she gets the $900 bonus. She is stoked.
I was happy for her until today when I found out that I don't get it.
I have not given my tax file number to my bank so they take out tax on my interest, I have share investments and I don't earn very much from other work. So my "Tax Offsets and other credits" is more than my taxable income. Even though I paid a couple thousand dollars tax last year I don't qualify.
Go figure....
steve
Hi, I paid tax, but only because of my youth allowance payments pushing me over the $6000 threshold (otherwise I would only have earned about $5000. So in total I had "income" of about $11,000 ($6000 from youth allowance and $5000 from my job), do I qualify for the stimulous payment, because as of 9th June, I have not received anything :(
Anonymous
I know i am eligible for the payment but have not yet received it should i be worried?
angela
hi my taxable income was 9.9500.00 and paid 592.00 tax will i be getting the tax bonus?
its july 10th and i haven't received any thing yet. I did my tax thru a tax agent when and how will it be paid.
thanks
angela.
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
You should be eligible, check with your tax agent to chase up if you've been paid or not. They may be holding a cheque for you.
Anonymous
I used taxback.com to file my taxes and they received the funds from the stimulus on my behalf. I am wondering what portion they are eligible to keep out of the $900?
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
I guess that would be covered by taxback's terms and conditions, although I'm not sure what regulation there is surrounding this. Thanks for the tip, I wasn't aware of the site.
Bob from Adelaide
Hi RD, thanks for the article. Still haven't received a payment though I believe that I am eligible. My wife earned about 70K, paid tax via PAYE, received a small refund and was promptly given her stimulus. I earned less, about 50K and paid tax via PAYE and due to not enough deductions, had to pay an additional $200- odd. Previous years have received refunds to a nominated bank account which has not changed. Could I expect a cheque instead? Would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks again.
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
You should expect a payment to your nominated account. I'm surprised you haven't got it yet. Might be time to chase it up with the ATO.
Anonymous
hi,
my partner and I are desperately seeking some advise!!
we were traveling in late may and have completely forgotten about doing our tax to be eligible to receive the stimulus package!!
we can not find a tax agent that is avalible and we have been ringing everywhere!!
if we do our tax online now, being the 22 of June will we still be eligible to receive the package even tho the refund time takes 8 - 10 days to arrive which will be early July???
Please help urgently as we do not want to miss out on this!!
thank you
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
If you get your tax in this week you should be fine. If you have relatively simple tax you might find e-tax (available at the ATO website) is your best option. Good luck!
Anonymous
I have submitted a tax return of 07-08 and all tax withheld was refunded to me. My taxable income was just under $11,000. So far I haven't received a stimulus payment - will I given I ended up not paying any tax?
Caroline
Anonymous
I am on abn and over 07/08 i only earnt approx $8000.00, taking off all my expenses it has taken my tax down to only $260, will i recieve the stimulus package?
Loyd
Hi
Last year i earned slightly above the tax free threshold of $6k and i declared my tax returns.Surprisingly i have not received my stimulus package. I have been checking my account all along for the stimulus but have not seen the $900 awarded.
What can you say about my case?
Anonymous
jsut a question so the general rule if if you earned above the tax free threshhold, of 6000 odd dollars, but you received a tax refund . You are nto elligble for the rebate? assumign all othrr factors are good?
Cameron Tod - Chief Technology Officer
If, on balance, you paid tax to the department, then you're eligible. So, if you earnt $6500, paid $500 in tax, but got a $500 refund, then you are not eligible.
Bill
hi there
Well I have not received the stimulas and when I rang the ATO they advised me to contact my local member which I have on the 25th of May, without disclosing who he is I have sent him the following:
Dear Sir
I have served in the Army from 1970 until February Last year when I was Medically discharged for an Injury that occurred in 1980’s and virtually thrown on the scrap heap without compensation.
Because I am on an MSBS (Comsuper Pension) as low as it is I have not received the first stimulus payment and I do not know why.
Now I feel that I am being discriminated against, for I rang the Taxation Department about the latest package payment and they advise me that I am not eligible to receive it.
When I explained the abnormality in the criteria to them they refused to listen and check on my file, anyway it was only a call center operator
They have advised me to contact my Local MP about this.
The reason for this is that as per the local newspaper on page six it showed the eligibility criteria
I followed the criteria that was laid and there is a blatant discrimination point and it is as follows:
A. I have paid my full private medical fund I then claim my rebate at the end of the year because of this I am not eligible.
B. However, if I had my payments reduced each month and not claimed the rebate at the end of the year then I am eligible.
Because I paid the full amount myself, I have been automatically knocked out of being eligible
I believe that this is a case of discrimination and I am writing to you as directed by the Taxation Office.
As I have now been retired and can not work anymore I could sure use the money.
I do not get any pension discount for anything like a pensioner and this puts me behind the eight ball for I have to pay full price for everything whilst on a pension
It may even give your party ammunition to fight the discrimination case.
Your assistance to rectify this will be greatly appreciated
He has not answered me and I have heard nothing at all since I have sent this and I am just wandering why there is such a blatent discrimination allowed.
Your answer seems to be to see the ATO or my accountant as with a previous similar case, well I have been there and they are useless to assist in any way it would be like winning lotto witout a ticket to get them to resolve it.
As with the local MP your assistance to resolve this (that is if you resolve problems) will be appreciated.
Regards
Brian
You write:-
"If you earnt more than....."
Is your text written by a nine year old?
Rate Detective
Brian, if you are referring to the way "earned" was spelt, we have learnt our lesson and no offence was meant :)
Anonymous
I have made two phone calls to to ATO and both times they said i was elegible for the stimulus. However they mentioned that because i did my tax late last year i would not be in the first lot of payments.
Its now december and i am still waiting for my stimulus.
Any advice.
Rate Detective
Call ATO again...
Niccam
Hi RD,
My family did not receive the initial $1000.00 from the first stimulus bonus announced by K Rudd... .we both pay tax... lots of it and we both lodged our tax returns... how do I claim this payment?
Regards
Niccam
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