Making a mistake on a tax return is more common than people realise. You might have forgotten to include a deduction, entered an income figure incorrectly, or missed a relevant offset. Lodging a return is not final — Australian tax law allows you to amend a return after it has been submitted, and doing so proactively is far better than waiting for the ATO to find a problem.
Can you amend a lodged return?
Yes. You can request an amendment to a tax return that has already been assessed. The amendment process allows you to correct errors, add missing information, or update figures that were entered incorrectly.
The general time limit for requesting an amendment is two years from the date the original assessment was issued for individuals and small businesses.
How to lodge an amendment
If you lodged your original return through a registered tax agent, the agent can lodge the amendment on your behalf — usually the simplest approach, as they already have your records.
Amendments must be lodged in writing and cannot be submitted verbally or by phone.
What happens to your refund during an amendment?
If you already received a refund and the amendment reduces the refund amount, the ATO will issue a revised assessment showing the amount to repay.
If your amendment increases the refund you are owed, the additional amount will be paid to your nominated bank account once the amendment is processed. Processing times are generally a few weeks to a couple of months.
Can the ATO amend your return?
Yes. The ATO has the right to amend a tax assessment for up to two years after the original assessment in standard cases. If fraud is suspected, there is no time limit. If you receive a notice advising that the ATO has amended your assessment, review it carefully and contact a tax agent if you disagree.
Practical advice for working holiday makers
If you have already lodged your return but later realise an error — even if you have left Australia — you can still request an amendment. Your tax agent can manage the process remotely. Keep your Australian bank account open until all tax matters are finalised, as any additional refund will be paid to that account.
Need help?
Think your tax return might have an error?
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