Dependent Spouse Offset on the Chopping Board
The Government will soon put in place changes so that taxpayers will not be entitled to the dependent spouse tax offset in respect of a dependent spouse born on or after 1 July 1971. The change is proposed to take effect from 1 July 2011. This means taxpayers with a dependent spouse aged less than 40 years will no longer be eligible for the offset from 1 July 2011. However, some exceptions will be available – for example, dependent spouses who are carers, invalid or permanently unable to work.
TIP: Note that the maximum offset is $2,355 for 2011-2012.
