Good day everyone! I am an international student and I would like to apply for Medicare exemption in my tax return. However, I have not received from my MES yet. If I do not have my MES by the end of this month, will I have to pay for the Medicare fee, despite I do not receive benefits from the Medicare? Or will there be an extension for filing my tax return? Thank you.
Our latest advice is, Services Australia is experiencing processing delays for all 2023 Medicare Entitlement Statement (MES) applications. To ensure you aren't disadvantaged by the delay, lodge your tax return by the due date as though you have your MES.
When you receive your MES, if it's different to what you lodged in your tax return, you'll need to lodge an amendment.
You can read up more about the delay on our website.
Hey @AshleyP,
Have you applied for your MES from Services Australia?
If you're wanting to know the progress, then you will need to speak with them. It can take up to 8 weeks for your application to be processed.
No, you won't get longer to lodge your tax return, but you do need to wait until you've received your MES before you lodge. We do advise that if you need an MES that you apply as soon as possible so you can lodge your tax return on time.
Hi Anita, thank you for your reply. I have applied the MES but have not received the statement yet. If I do not have MES before the tax return due date, will I need to pay for the Medicare levy? Thanks.
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