PM leaves tax cut timing up in the air

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says the timing of a promised personal income tax cut will depend on the state of the budget.

Taxpayers shouldn't assume they will get an income tax cut this year, even if one is announced in the May budget.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull reiterated tax relief for middle-income families was the next priority for his government.

"How much we can do and the timing depends on the budget, because of course, we're committed to bringing it back into balance by 2020-21," Mr Turnbull told ABC TV on Sunday.