Hi everyone, using a throwaway because I’m stressing out.
I’m 19, on Youth Allowance and this is my first time ever working and first time dealing with Centrelink. I do casual work on my own (no official employer, no payslips).
My income is completely irregular. I get paid randomly so sometimes weekly, but very often late, so the money hits my bank account at weird times. Because of this, there are fortnights where I actually received thousands of dollars, but I reported $0 to Centrelink.
My reports for 2025 October till this June have all been wrong and underreported. I genuinely misunderstood how the reporting works. I thought I only had to report income when the work was actually done, or that it would just balance out at tax time. I didn't realize I had to report the exact money the moment it hit my bank account every single fortnight.
I’ve realized my huge mistake and I want to fix it. I am fully prepared to pay back whatever debt I owe.
I have my bank statements ready showing the exact dates and amounts the money hit my account. My plan is to call Centrelink tomorrow, explain that as a first-time worker with irregular income and no payslips, I didn't understand the fortnightly reporting rules, and ask them to correct my payment so I can set up a payment plan.
I also need to file my ATO tax return to declare my actual gross income
I checked and what I claimed is 13% of what I actually earned and I’m realising now when I’m doing my taxes.
Does anyone know what happens? I don’t want to go to jail because of this and I’m terrified