Historical underpayment claims and taxation issues
Published: 2 December 2011
Many members have recently contacted the QNU asking questions about a number of payroll related issues.
Claims for “historical” underpayments
You should have now received advice from Queensland Health that its historical underpayment claims trials at the Princess Alexandria Hospital and Prince Charles Hospital will be extended across the state.
If you have been underpaid in the period prior to 24 July 2011, you should lodge a claim by ringing the Statewide Hotline on 1800 239 074 (7am-9pm, every day, including weekends).
Your claim should be lodged by Friday 16 December.
A case manager should contact you within five working days of the lodgement of your claim.
This underpayments claims program is focused on historical underpayment claims rather than current claims.
Given the complexity of the payslips provided under the new payroll system and constantly changing payments, you have no doubt found it difficult to determine if you have been paid correctly. I hope Queensland Health’s new process will make it easier to identify if any wages are owed as well as ensure the quick reimbursement of any underpayment.
Please note that if you have a recent underpayment claim (that occurred after 24 July 2011) then you should report this to your local payroll hub for priority investigation and resolution.
I encourage you to take advantage of the underpayments claims program. This is something we have actively campaigned for, and with the additional resources now in place it is also your very best opportunity to resolve outstanding underpayments.
For more information please refer to the attached Queensland Health information.
Taxation issues associated with overpayments
Amended payment summaries
Some members will have received letters from Queensland Health containing advice for your tax returns in financial years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, as well as amended payment summaries (group certificates).
2009 – 2010 financial year
Queensland Health has advised the QNU it has reissued payment summaries from the 2009-2010 year because overpayments that members received were included as taxable income due to legislative requirements. The new payment summaries do not have overpayments included as taxable income. If you received a letter you may now be entitled to a tax refund for the 2009-2010 financial year depending on your circumstances.
Members should seek advice about lodging an amended tax return for the 2009-10 year. If you incur tax agent fees as a result, you may claim reimbursement for these fees under the No Financial Disadvantage Policy that the QNU has negotiated with Queensland Health.
2010 – 2011 financial year
Additionally, some members who received overpayments will have accumulated a reportable fringe benefit amount (RFBA), which may affect income tests for Commonwealth benefits and charges like the Medicare levy and HECS. An amended payment summary has been issued by Queensland Health to members in this situation and a fringe benefits tax concession applied to those affected.
Queensland Health has advised that most members will be financially advantaged by the concession. However, members who have an RFBA after receiving the concession caused by a pay error may claim their fringe benefits tax (FBT) liability under the No Financial Disadvantage Policy.
Click here to download a copy of Queensland Health’s No Financial Disadvantage Policy claim form.
If you need more information about your taxation issues or payments summary, you can contact the Statewide Hotline on 1800 239 074 (7am-9pm, every day, including weekends).
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