In addition to the Child Care Benefit (CCB) you may also be eligible to receive the recently announced 30% Child Care Tax Rebate.

Key features are as follows:

• The tax rebate will apply to fees incurred from 1 July 2004.
• The tax rebate for fees incurred from 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005 is claimed in the succeeding year's tax return, that is, the 2006 tax return. As this rebate has not yet been passed through legislation we cannot confirm the year in which to claim the fees incurred from 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006, however we are hopeful that these fees will also be claimed in the 2006 tax return, then continue to claim the fees in the year in which they are incurred.
• It covers 30% of out of pocket costs for approved child care. Out of pocket costs are total fees charged for approved child care, less actual Child Care Benefit entitlement.
• To be eligible families must receive CCB and meet the CCB work/study/training test.
• There is a maximum rebate payable of up to $4,000 per child, per year
• The tax rebate will be claimed through the tax system and administrated by the Tax Office.

What should I do?

Keep your receipts or similar records of your child care costs and keep your reconciliation letter from the Family Assistance Office.

More information about eligibility and what to do to claim the rebate is available from the Tax Office or 13 28 61.