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machicake(I'm new)I'm new
11 July 2024

I am currently a student that has been on Youth Allowance and works one job (not on it currently just working).


For the first time this year, I owe the ATO money when I loged my tax claim. I'm really confused because I am a low income earner and I doubt I have passed the tax threshold to pay back on anything? My sibling has the same job as me but does not have youth allowance and recieved a tax refund instead. I am very confused how I owe the ATO money as I am only 21 years old with 1 part-time job. This has never happened to me before, I have always recieved a tax refund.


I did a once off contract job but don't see how that would affect it...I want to contact the ATO but am worried about the waiting time on call.

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Phalanx(Enthusiast)Enthusiast
11 July 2024

So its hard to say without knowing your entire income.


But it sounds like your taxable income has exceeded the tax free threshold.


You've stated you receive youth allowance this is a taxable government payment and goes towards your taxable income.


Generally I don't believe tax is withheld from youth allowance, so if you have also been working your employer likely hasn't been withholding tax accounting for your youth allowance only the amounts they have paid you.


Remember the tax free threshold ends at $18,200 so if your combined income between your jobs and youth allowance has exceeded that you will need to pay tax.


You should be able to check your total income in the ATOO by checking your 2024 return


You will likely need to wait for your Notice of Assessment to process and then to contact the ATO for a full explanation.



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Most helpful reply

Phalanx(Enthusiast)Enthusiast
11 July 2024

So its hard to say without knowing your entire income.


But it sounds like your taxable income has exceeded the tax free threshold.


You've stated you receive youth allowance this is a taxable government payment and goes towards your taxable income.


Generally I don't believe tax is withheld from youth allowance, so if you have also been working your employer likely hasn't been withholding tax accounting for your youth allowance only the amounts they have paid you.


Remember the tax free threshold ends at $18,200 so if your combined income between your jobs and youth allowance has exceeded that you will need to pay tax.


You should be able to check your total income in the ATOO by checking your 2024 return


You will likely need to wait for your Notice of Assessment to process and then to contact the ATO for a full explanation.



Liked by machicake
machicake(I'm new)I'm new
11 July 2024

Yes that's correct my combined income is more than $18,200. However, it was also in the past years and I received a tax refund even then. So I am confused why this time I received an amount owing to the ATO.


Thanks for your reply, I will contact the ATO then for further information.

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Owing money to the ATO but am an low income earner? | ATO Community