Loading
This thread is archived and the information may not be up-to-date. You can't reply to this thread.
RemoteLive(Newbie)Newbie
21 Sept 2022

I am employed by a local council, and as I live in a remote area (Zone A town by ATO definition) they pay me what they term a 'District Allowance' as an incentive. This terminology overlapped with the description in the Zone Tax Offset Calculator of 'reduce your claim amount by any remote area allowance you received". When I input this aggregate amount the local Council had paid me over the year, the calculator determined that I was not eligible for a offset, so I did not claim one in deductions, and lodged my claim.


I subsequently was informed by an acquaintance that the "remote area allowance" term was referring to a specific Centrelink payment, rather than this line item on my payslip. To clarify, I have received no Centrelink payments FY21-22.


Q: Am I qualified to claim a Zone Tax Offset as a local government employee living in a 'Zone A' town who has not received any Centrelink district allowance payment, since the line item entitled 'district allowance' on my payslip does not disqualify me from being eligible for the Offset?


Hopefully I got all that terminology right to communicate my query.

709 views
1 replies
709 views
1 replies

Most helpful response

Most helpful reply

JodieR_ATO(Community Support)Community Support
23 Sept 2022

Hi @RemoteLive,


Under myTax 2022 Zone offset instructions - completing this section, it advises the following - If you received a remote area allowance from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs you must reduce the amount of your zone tax offset by the amount you received for this allowance.


It won't be reduced by the allowance you received from your employer. If you've already lodged your return you can amend it via myTax online.

All replies

Most helpful reply

JodieR_ATO(Community Support)Community Support
23 Sept 2022

Hi @RemoteLive,


Under myTax 2022 Zone offset instructions - completing this section, it advises the following - If you received a remote area allowance from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs you must reduce the amount of your zone tax offset by the amount you received for this allowance.


It won't be reduced by the allowance you received from your employer. If you've already lodged your return you can amend it via myTax online.

Loading
Zone Tax Offset - confused by terminology | ATO Community