ATO STATEMENT ON ADMINISTRATION OF THE LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME TAX OFFSET (LMITO)

In the 2019-20 Federal Budget, the Government announced its intention to change and build on the Personal Income Tax Plan. The ATO says these changes, including tax rate and threshold changes and low income tax offset changes, are now law following the passage through Parliament without amendment and Royal Assent on 5 July of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Relief So Working Australians Keep More Of Their Money) Bill 2019.

The ATO announced on 5 July 2019 that it is implementing the necessary system changes so taxpayers that have already lodged their 2018-19 tax returns will receive any increase to the low and middle income tax offset (LMITO) they are entitled to. Any tax refund will be deposited in the taxpayers nominated bank account.

Assessments for returns already lodged are expected to start to issue from Friday 12 July and into the following week, which is in line with the normal processing of refunds for this time of year, the ATO said. Those who are yet to lodge their tax return will have any offset they are entitled to taken into account during the normal processing of their return.

The amount of the offset taxpayers may be entitled to, and the amount of any refund, will differ for everyone depending on individual circumstances such as income level and how much tax was paid throughout the year.

If you would like to know more please contact one of our accountants on 07 4639 1099 or come in and see us at 14 Russell Street Toowoomba.