Best bonus available in 2009

This year seems to be the year of economic doom and gloom, but it needn't be. Make 2009 the year when you can take advantage of a great bonus.

1. The tax bonus

If you earned less than $80, 000 in the financial year 2007-08, or you made it look that way on your income tax from then the Rudd government will give you a $900 tax bonus.

2. The Baby bonus

The baby bonus is a refundable tax offset that you can claim from the Australian Taxation Office, even if you do not pay tax, do not have any income, or do not lodge a tax return. The baby bonus is paid whether or not you get any other family benefits—for example maternity allowance—and is not income tested. Plus the more we as Australians fail to replace ourselves, the higher this bonus is being raised.

3. The first home-owners grant

If you are a first home buyer who purchases an existing home, you may receive a total payment of $14,000 ($7000 First Home Owners Scheme grant + $7000 First Home Owners Boost).
If you are a first home buyer who purchases a new home, you may receive a total payment of $21,000 ($7000 First Home Owners Scheme grant + $14,000 First Home Owners Boost).
The Boost is not means tested and can be used to buy a property of any value.

4. The CEO golden handshake

This is the best option. You can get a bonus of millions of dollars and you don't have to be very good. In this current climate you can just blame your mistakes on the 'global economic downturn'. Remember too that the board only has the power to refuse your massive payout if it is more than seven times you annual yearly earnings. Don't be greedy, ask for six times. Don't worry about the government placing a one-year cap on your pay-out, that will never get through. They couldn't get that alcopop tax through the senate, our obese kids can now continue to get smashed on the weekends and you can get your payout, no probs.

5. Create a bonus

Sure times are tough. Some companies are threatening to not give out a Christmas bonus. Some are refusing to sign-off on a Performance bonus. So, why not speak to your manager about a non-performance/non-holiday based bonus. For example, you receive a 6-monthly bonus based on the amount of stationery supplies you otherwise would have stolen or the amount of time you are thinking of slacking off, because they're not giving out bonuses anyway. The important thing is to be creative.

So make sure, you make the most of this year.