Ideas Tax Knowledge Blog

Income offset

Written by Ideas Group | Mar 28, 2020 11:18:58 AM

Question: Jeff, who lives in Australia, earns $45,000 a year. How much money can he get back from the government through the low and middle income tax offset?

Answer: Jeff can reduce his taxes by up to $855 with the low and middle income tax offset.

Here’s how it’s calculated for Jeff’s income:

  • First, subtract $37,000 from his total income ($45,000 - $37,000 = $8,000).
  • Then, calculate 7.5% of $8,000, which is $600.
  • Finally, add $255 to $600. So, Jeff’s tax offset is $255 + $600 = $855.

In general:

  • If you earn up to $37,000, you get a $255 tax offset.
  • If you earn over $37,000 but less than $48,000, you get $255 plus an additional 7.5% of the amount over $37,000, up to a maximum of $1,080.
  • If you earn between $48,000 and $90,000, you get the maximum offset of $1,080.
  • If you earn between $90,000 and $126,000, the maximum offset starts to decrease by 3% of the amount over $90,000.

If you need help, contact Tax Ideas Accountants & Advisers at +61 2 83181545 or book an appointment on our live calendar.