My ex owes a chunk in Child Support. I'm assuming they will take his tax return once he lodges to repay this debt. However... is there anyone with experience about what to expect here? I have read up directly from CSA what the process is.. but we are a few months in on this debt now and nothing seems to be happening....
Just wondering from a first hand perspective how it goes?
6 Replies
I never got a payment for 5 years from my kids dad , and i called CSA monthly, for 5 years. I passed on details about his new jobs, address, assets, everything.
Still took them 5 yrs to collect all my children's arrears.
Be prepared, these things can take a long, long time.
IF he lodges his tax and he was due a return in funds.
There are still a few months before closing dates for tax as well.
Don’t hold your breath. It took 15 years for my ex to lodge his returns so I could get paid!
Assuming he has no other debts if he does his tax and gets a refund you’ll get what’s owed to you.
However if he owes the ATO, or Centrelink they’ll get their money before you see any of it.
My knowledge in this is 15 years and counting of child support arrears.
Probably not what you want to hear, but budget as though you are never going to see it. It’s hard and it’s unfair, but you need to do what you whatever you can to keep your head above water financially based on whatever income you do receive. If he completes his tax return and is entitled to a refund, you will only receive it if you are on CSA collect. If you aren’t on CSA collect, contact them today to set it up. Unfortunately they can only back date 3 months if you change from private to CSA collection, so in this instance you won’t receive the full amount you are entitled to.
I work for CSA. Tax refunds are automatic IF available. No payment is guaranteed EVER. We find employers and they quit and we start again - so frustrating. They work under ABN - limits what we can do. Cash in hand - doesn't exist so nothing we can do.
It really sucks for us too - not to same level, but it's not necessarily that we aren't doing anything. Good Luck.
Or they ring csa and cry poor and have their whole debt wiped because they were cut off their Centrelink payments so have no money I pay the $400 a year for two kids. But have 150,000.00 in their bank account from an inheritance.