Important information 2016
Who can complete your tax return?
Warning:
This information may not apply to the current year. Check the content carefully to ensure it is applicable to your circumstances.
End of attentionYou can get someone else to complete your tax return for you.
- A family member or friend can help you but they cannot charge you a fee. You must still sign it and you are still legally responsible for the accuracy of the information.
- Tax Help is a free service provided by community volunteers trained to help people on low incomes prepare their tax returns. Tax Help operates out of approved community-based centres. Volunteers do not charge a fee for their assistance.
- Only a registered tax agent can charge you a fee for preparing your tax return.
Lodge your tax return by 31 October 2016
You have until 31 October 2016 to lodge your tax return, unless we have allowed you to lodge it later, or you have a later due date because a registered tax agent prepares your tax return.
If you cannot lodge your tax return by 31 October 2016 contact us as soon as possible, before 31 October 2016, to find out whether you can lodge at a later date.
Failure to lodge on time penalty
We may apply a penalty for failure to lodge on time if your tax return is not lodged by the due date.
Generally, we apply one penalty unit for every 28 days (or part thereof) that your tax return is overdue, to a maximum of five penalty units. For more information regarding penalty units refer to Payment, interest and penalties.
We may apply the penalty even where there is no tax payable. However, our policy is not to apply a penalty where:
- you lodge your tax return voluntarily, and
- no tax is payable.
Where to send your tax return
Within Australia
To lodge online, use myTax go to ato.gov.au/lodgeonline Most refunds are issued within 12 business days.
To lodge a paper tax return:
- mail it in the pre-addressed envelope that came with it, or
- mail it in your own envelope and address it 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
From overseas
To lodge online using myTax go to ato.gov.au/lodgeonline Most refunds are issued within 12 business days.
To lodge a paper tax return, either:
- mail it in the pre-addressed envelope that came with it, but first
- cross out the barcode above the address
- cross out IN YOUR CAPITAL CITY and write SYDNEY NSW 2001, AUSTRALIA
- mail it in your own envelope and address it to
Australian Taxation Office
GPO Box 9845
SYDNEY NSW 2001
AUSTRALIA.
When can you expect your notice of assessment?
If you lodge your tax return online, our standard processing time is 12 business days. We aim to process paper tax returns within 50 business days.
To check the progress of your tax return:
- go to ato.gov.au/progressofreturn
- phone 13 28 61 and
- choose option 2 then option 1, or
- ask one of our customer service representatives to do a search for you.
Your right to make a complaint
If you are dissatisfied with our services, actions or a decision we have made, you have the right to make a complaint.
We recommend that you first try to resolve the issue with the tax officer you have been dealing with, or by following the instructions given to you.
If you are not able to resolve your issue you can escalate the matter, for example, by asking to speak to the tax officer's manager.
If your issue is still not resolved, you can go to ato.gov.au/complaints to lodge your complaint online.
Other ways to make a complaint:
- phone our complaints line on 1800 199 010
- write to
Australian Taxation Office
PO Box 1271
Albury NSW 2640
- send a fax to 1800 060 063.
The Inspector-General of Taxation
If you are still not satisfied after lodging a formal complaint you can contact the Inspector-General of Taxation:
Inspector-General of Taxation
GPO Box 551
SYDNEY NSW 2001
Provides important information and instructions on the completion and lodgment of your tax return.