Complete this section if you submitted a tax return between two and four years ago and you want to amend it online.
Things to know
You can request an amendment to fix a mistake or amend a return to ensure that you pay the right amount of tax.
Time limits on income tax amendments
The law sets time limits for amending your tax assessment.
The time limit is generally two years from the day after we give you the notice of assessment (taken to be the date on the notice). If you select a tax return that is within this time frame you will be eligible to lodge an amendment.
In limited circumstances the time limit is increased to four years, this applies where:
- you carried on a business, were a partner in a partnership that carried on a business or you were a beneficiary of a trust and the business, partnership or trust was not a small business entity in the income year you want to amend
- your amendment relates to foreign income received from a foreign transaction and the income was not from a resident investment vehicle.
Completing this section
You have selected a tax return to amend that is outside the usual two year time limit on income tax amendments.
You can amend the tax return for up to four years if you meet one of the eligible scenarios.
- On the Request an amendment screen, select the scenario that applies to you using the radio buttons
- You carried on a business, were a partner in a partnership that carried on a business or you were a beneficiary of a trust – go to step 2.
- Your amendment relates to income received from a foreign transaction – go to step 3.
If you didn't select any of the radio buttons – go to step 4.
- Answer the question Was the business, partnership or trust a small business entity in the income year you want to amend?
- Yes – go to step 4.
- No – you are taken to the tax return online to lodge an amendment.
Note: If you select this scenario and your original tax return or amendment does not include a business, partnership or trust, your amendment may be cancelled.
- Answer the question Was the income from a resident investment vehicle?
- Yes – go to step 4.
- No – you are taken to the tax return online to lodge an amendment.
Note: If you select this scenario and your amendment does not relate to income received from a foreign transaction, your amendment may be cancelled.
- You can't submit an online amendment for this tax return. If you still want to pursue a change to your tax return, see after the time limit has passed.
Processing your amendment
If your amendment reduces the tax you owe, you'll receive a tax refund (unless you have other tax debts). If it increases the tax you owe, we generally treat it as a voluntary disclosure. You'll still have to pay any outstanding tax, but you're likely to receive concessional treatment for any penalties and interest charges that apply.
If you think we've made a mistake or want to dispute the law or facts relating to your return, see other types of amendments or changes.
For more information, see How we process your voluntary disclosure.
Further information
After the time limit has passed
If you want to amend a tax return after the time limit has passed, you may be able to lodge an objection. While the time limit for lodging amendments and objections is the same, you can request an extension of time to lodge an objection in some circumstances.
For more information, see Decisions you can object to and time limits.
Other types of amendments or changes
If you think we've made a mistake processing your tax return, you should contact us to see if we can sort it out without the need for an amendment.
If you want to dispute the law or the facts we have used to come to a decision about your tax affairs (including your income tax assessment) you'll need to lodge an objection.
If you do not wish to submit your amendment online, remember that time limits and eligibility rules for amendments apply regardless of how you submit your amendment request.
For more information, see:
Record keeping
You need to keep all your records and information relevant to your correction for at least five years from the date you lodge your amended tax return. If your time limit to amend a return is extended you need to keep the records until the end of the extension. If you are in a dispute with us keep the records for the later of five years from the date:
- you lodge your amended tax return
- the dispute is resolved.
For more information, see Records you need to keep.
Resident investment vehicle
Residential investment vehicle can be summarised as a company or fixed trust that:
- is an Australian resident
- doesn't have total assets exceeding $50 million
- doesn't have property development or ownership in land as its primary activity at any time.