Overdue personal tax returns
A few years behind? Let's get you back on track.
If you're reading this, it's probably been sitting at the back of your mind for a while. It's more common than you'd think, especially for busy professionals, and it's fixable. I'm not here to judge. I'll work out what's outstanding, tell you what it'll take, and get it done.
One fixed fee, agreed in writing before I start.
- "I know I'm a bit behind."
- A move overseas, a new baby or a busy job, then another year went by.
- You're dreading the number, so you haven't looked.
- You've half-expected a letter from the ATO.
The worry is usually worse than the reality
The hardest part is the first email. Most people I help have been dreading a number that turns out smaller than they feared, and sometimes there's a refund sitting there.
To be straight with you about the other side: overdue returns may be subject to penalties and interest when they're lodged. That's a reason to start, not a reason to keep putting it off.
A fixed fee, agreed first
You'll know the full cost before I start, in writing. No hourly billing and no surprise invoice at the end. If something new turns up along the way, like an ATO letter that needs its own response, I'll tell you and we agree it before I do it.
How catching up works
- Send me an enquiry. A line or two is enough: roughly how many years, and what changed in that time.
- You engage me as your tax agent, and I add you as a client with the ATO.
- I pull together what the ATO already holds and what's outstanding.
- I send you one list of what else I need. One list, not a drip feed.
- You get a fixed fee in writing before I start.
- I prepare the years in the right order, explain each one, and you approve them before they're lodged.
After you're up to date, the goal is never to be here again. Many people I catch up stay on with me, so each year's return is routine and someone's keeping an eye on it before 30 June instead of after.
Behind on tax returns: questions
As far as needs doing. I work out which years are outstanding and lodge each of them, in the right order.
Overdue returns may be subject to penalties and interest when they're lodged. Coming forward and getting everything lodged puts you in a far better position than waiting to be chased. I'll explain where you stand once I've seen your records.
Much of your income information is often already with the ATO, and banks and employers can usually reissue the rest. I'll tell you what's essential and what isn't.
No. Send it to me first. I'll explain what it means in plain English and what we do next.
Yes, but this page is about personal returns. If you have an ABN, BAS or a company, mention it in your enquiry, and see ATO support for businesses.
Ready to stop worrying about it?
Tell me roughly how many years and what's changed. I'll reply personally with the next step and a fixed fee.
Send me an enquiry