WAITING ON A TAX REFUND? CHECK IF YOU HAVE A BOND REFUND!

Minister for Housing Robert Schwarten urged Queenslanders to check the RTA website for unclaimed money owing to them during tax time.

The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) holds all rental bonds lodged in Queensland and unclaimed money arises when the tenant either forgets to cash the refund cheque or fails to provide a forwarding address.

“Unfortunately a lot of people either aren’t aware that they are entitled to a bond refund or just forget in the confusion of moving and I would like to give it back,” said Mr Schwarten.

“You work hard for your money and with bonds being in the order of about $1000, it’s a lot of money to just throw away,” he said.

For many people this is tax time and while people are busy organising their affairs to take to their tax agent, they should also be looking at the RTA website to see if there is an extra surprise waiting.

“Rents are getting higher and with the Commonwealth Government breaking its promise on keeping interest rates low, tenants could well expect further increase in rents when the latest interest hike filters through.

“That’s why it is so important that they see if they are owed money. What a great surprise it would be to get a bond refund of $1000,” said Mr Schwarten.

“I can’t stress enough that while we don’t want to be holding on to the money and will do everything we can to give the money back, at the end of the day it is up to residents to see if they have any entitlements.

“It’s your money, claim it,” concluded Mr Schwarten.

To see if unclaimed money is held in your name, log on to www.rta.qld.gov.au and follow the prompts.

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