E-tax - known issues

Error '2055 - unable to match date of birth'

Some people get the error message '2055' when they try to verify their identity in e-tax because the date of birth they enter doesn't match our records.

To help you overcome this, be aware of the following:

• When you complete your tax return in e-tax, enter your correct date of birth.
• For this year, you will not be able to use your notice of assessment (if you have one) to verify your identity in e-tax.
• You will need to update your date of birth on our records before you can continue. To update your date of birth, phone us on 13 28 61 (8.00am to 6.00pm local time, Monday to Friday) or visit one of our shopfronts.
• When you have updated your date of birth, you can try to verify your identity in e-tax using the 'shared secret' option. Allow 24 hours before trying this option as our systems need to process the update. To find out more information about 'shared secret' and what information is used for this purpose, see 'Eligibility requirements' in General information about e-tax (including YouTube videos).
• To navigate to the 'shared secret' option in e-tax, you will need to click No on the screen which asks you 'Do you have a notice of assessment?' (if applicable). You will see this screen when you are ready to pre-fill or lodge your e-tax return.
• The next screen you will see will ask you to confirm your personal details. Once your personal details are confirmed, and 'shared secret' information is available for matching, you will be asked to enter that information. If there is no 'shared secret' information available for matching, e-tax will tell you what other lodgment options are available. If no 'shared secret' information is available for matching when you try, you may wish to try again later as the information used may not be available until mid-August.

If you still get the error after trying the 'shared secret' option to verify your identity in e-tax, you will need to print your e-tax return and post it to us for processing. Sign the return and post it to:

Australian Taxation Office
GPO Box 9845
IN YOUR CAPITAL CITY

The address must appear on your envelope exactly as shown. Use the words 'IN YOUR CAPITAL CITY', not the name of your capital city (unless you are lodging from outside Australia). Because of a special agreement with Australia Post, there is no need for you to include the name of your capital city or a postcode.

If you are lodging from outside Australia, replace IN YOUR CAPITAL CITY with SYDNEY NSW 2001 AUSTRALIA.