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How to lodge your application

Last updated 12 February 2019

Once you have completed and signed your application you can lodge it by phone or by post.

Lodging by phone will take you less than seven minutes and we will process applications lodged by phone within 12 business days. We will process applications lodged by post within six weeks.

Phone lodgment benefits

  • The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To avoid busy periods, phone before midday, after 5.00pm or on weekends.
  • It is available from anywhere in Australia.
  • Most refunds are issued within 12 business days.
  • It takes less than seven minutes to lodge your application.
  • However, you cannot use this service to lodge for previous years - only the current 2011-12 financial year.

Stop

Do we have your current name, postal address and residential address? If you have changed any of these details or are unsure what details you last gave to the ATO, phone us on 13 28 61 before lodging your application by phone.

Lodging by phone

Check that you satisfy all the conditions before trying to lodge this application by phone.

  • Complete your Application for refund of franking credits for individuals 2012 before you phone to lodge.
  • Phone the lodgment service on 13 28 65, press 2 and then 1.
  • Listen to the questions which are based on your completed application.
  • Speak naturally, as in normal conversation. There is no need to slow down.
  • Say all the numbers individually, for example, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4. For 0, say 'zero' or 'nought'.
  • If you need help with a question, say 'help'.
  • If you need a question repeated, say 'repeat'.
  • If you hear a message saying 'I'm having trouble getting that', the system will ask you to try again, or the service might ask you to use your phone keypad instead. Wait for the question to finish, then speak clearly when answering.
  • Listen carefully because at certain questions the information you have provided will be read back to you to allow you to confirm it is correct. If you have made a mistake you will be given the opportunity to correct the details.
  • If you hang up or have to leave the call because of a problem with the system, the information you have provided will be retained when you return to continue with your lodgment.
  • At the end of the call you will be given a receipt number to confirm that your application has been lodged. Write the number in the boxes provided on page 2 of your application, above your signature.
  • Your call will be recorded in case we need to refer to it later.
  • Make sure you wait for the receipt number before you hang up. Do not post your paper application to us. Keep it for your records.

What to do when lodging by phone

When you are asked …

Response

… if you want to lodge a refund of franking credits, an income tax return, or an ongoing baby bonus claim

Press 2 on your phone keypad.

… if you want to apply for a refund of franking credits

Press 1 on your phone keypad.

… for your tax file number

Say each number individually, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0. For 0, say 'zero' or 'nought'.

… for your date of birth

Say your date of birth, for example, '10 June nineteen forty-two', or '10th of June 1942' or '10th of the 6th 1942'.

… for your postal address postcode

Say each number individually, for example, '2, 4, 4, 1'.

… for your daytime phone number

Say your phone number as individual numbers including your area code, for example, '02 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8' (do not say double or triple numbers).

… if you have changed any of your details since you last notified us - that is, residency, postal or residential address

Say either 'yes' or 'no' depending on your circumstances, and follow the prompts.

… if you have received any dividend distributions from a managed fund or Australian franking credits from a New Zealand company

Say either 'yes' or 'no' depending on your circumstances.

… for your amounts at S, T and U - separately

For each label, say the amount in whole dollars, for example, 'one hundred and seventy-three dollars', or say '1, 7, 3'. Do not provide cents. If you did not have any amounts, say 'zero', 'nil' or 'nought' when asked for an amount.

… for any TFN amounts withheld from dividends shown at V

Say dollars and cents for this amount, for example, 'eighty-three dollars and seventy cents'. If you did not have any amounts withheld, say 'zero', 'nil' or 'nought'.

… to confirm the total dividend amount

If you agree, say 'yes'. If the total is incorrect say 'no'. You will then be able to check and adjust the amounts at S, T and U if required.

… if you are ready to lodge your application

Say either 'yes' or 'no' depending on your circumstances. If you say 'yes' the system will read out a receipt number to confirm your successful lodgment. The receipt number will be up to 10 digits. Write it in the space provided at the bottom of the application. (You can have it repeated if you need to.)

Lodging by post

You can post your application to:

Australian Taxation Office
GPO Box 9845
[insert the name and postcode of your capital city]

For example;

Australian Taxation Office
GPO Box 9845
SYDNEY NSW 2001

QC95566