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Penalty units

How we calculate penalties, and the penalty unit amounts for the period the infringement occurred.

Last updated 29 June 2023

How we calculate penalties, and the penalty unit amounts for the infringement period.

Why we impose penalties

Tax laws authorise us to impose administrative penalties when you fail to meet your tax obligations.

Penalty provisions are there to encourage all taxpayers to take reasonable care in complying with their tax obligations.

We consider your circumstances when deciding what action to take.

Penalty unit amount

Table: Penalty unit

When infringement occurred

Penalty unit amount
($)

On or after 1 July 2023

313

1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023

275

1 July 2020 to 31 December 2022

222

1 July 2017 to 30 June 2020

210

31 July 2015 to 30 June 2017

180

28 December 2012 to 30 July 2015

170

Up to 27 December 2012

110

How we notify you

If you're liable for a penalty, we'll notify you in writing and include:

  • the reason for the penalty
  • the amount of the penalty
  • the due date for payment (at least 14 days after we give notice).

You can't claim a deduction for penalties we impose.

How we calculate the penalty

We calculate the penalty amount using either:

  • a statutory formula, based on your behaviour and the amount of tax avoided
  • multiples of a penalty unit.

We also have certain rules for:

QC71196