Notices of assessment - what are they?

When you lodge a tax return, we process it and work out whether you have paid the right amount of tax, have a tax debt or are due for a refund because you have paid more that than you need to. We let you know the result of our assessment by sending you a notice of assessment.

The notice of assessment will state your taxable income, show how much tax you have paid during the year, and show whether you owe the Tax Office money, have paid enough tax, or are due for a refund.

If you end up with a tax bill, there are several ways you can pay it. These are set out on the back of your notice of assessment.

Keep your notice of assessment with your other tax records because you may need it again:

• we may ask you to refer to it because it has a unique sequence number or reference number that we can use to help prove your identity when you contact us by phone
• your bank may ask to see it if you want to borrow money
• Centrelink may ask for it if you are claiming benefits.

Your notice of assessment is an important document so keep it safe.

What to read/do next

• Notice of assessment for income tax
• Your notice of assessment