| | What is the baby bonus?
The baby bonus is a refundable tax offset – but even if you do not pay tax, do not have any income or do not have to lodge a tax return you can still claim it. The baby bonus is paid whether or not you currently get any other family benefits. Whether or not you received the maternity allowance, you may still be entitled to the baby bonus.
Who is it for?
If you had a baby or you gained legal responsibility of a child aged under five (for example, through adoption), after 30 June 2001 and before 1 July 2004 – whether or not you already have other children – you could receive the baby bonus. Usually, it is paid to the mother of the child. If you had a baby or you gained legal responsibility of a child aged under five (for example, through adoption), after 30 June 2004, you are not eligible for the baby bonus. You may be eligible for the new Maternity Payment which is administered by Centrelink.
How much will you get?
How much baby bonus you get depends on your own taxable income each year. If your taxable income is $25,000 or less you will be entitled to an annual amount of $500. You may get less in the first year, as the baby bonus is calculated from the baby's date of birth (or the date you gained legal responsibility).
If your taxable income is more than $25,000 when you claim you will only get the baby bonus if your income has reduced. You may get more than $500 if there is a significant reduction in your taxable income.
Adoptive parent
You may be entitled to claim from the date the adopted child came into your care.
Information you will need
- Your taxable income for the year you're claiming.
- Your taxable income for the year the child was born.
You may require additional information depending on your circumstances.
Disclaimer
- This calculator provides an estimate only. Your entitlement to the baby bonus can only be determined upon lodgement of your baby bonus claim form.
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