Child Care Rebate – Last Quarter Of 2008 – 09

By FutureNestEgg | August 6, 2009

I still haven’t received my 50 percent rebate for the last quarter of the last financial year. I called up the family assistance office this morning and they explained to me the reason for this – the last quarter payment of any financial year will be only sent to you after you lodge your tax return.

So the ‘clever me’ asked the customer service officer –

‘But the rebate is not linked to income so why should you wait for the tax return?’

The ‘clever customer service officer’ replied –

‘Because based on your tax return, your Child Care Benefit (CCB) will be adjusted – and this in turn affects the amount you receive for your 50 % rebate’.

The clever me was not so clever any more….The CCB used for the whole year was an estimate based on the income earned the previous year. So once we lodge this years’ return, the ATO will be able to work out the exact CCB we are entitled to and then adjust the rebate accordingly…

So the ball is back in my court – I better get cracking on my tax returns – Another incentive to hurry up.

Best,