Late filing penalties: How to extend the filing date
How to extend the filing date
If you are unable to file your income tax return by the due date you may apply for an extension of time (EOT) to file it.
When requesting an EOT, you should state the return period concerned and your reasons for requesting it. Acceptable reasons include circumstances beyond your control, such as illness or accident, and being unable to obtain the information needed to complete your return.
If you incur a late filing penalty before you apply for an extension, or before you become a client of a tax agent who has an extension of time arrangement with us, the penalty will stand. Similarly, if your agent's extension of time is withdrawn, you will be notified that your return is now due. If you don't file it by the date given, we may impose a late filing penalty. If you need an extension of time to file your income tax return, please call us.
| Note | |
|---|---|
| Extensions of time cannot be granted for employer monthly schedules or goods and services returns. | |
Payment due dates for late filing penalties
Once a late filing penalty has been imposed, it must be paid by the later of the following dates:
Income tax returns:
- 30 days from the date of the statement of account advising you of the penalty
- the end-of-year tax payment due date, usually 7 February (7 April if you have a tax agent).
| Example 1 | |
|---|---|
| We send Shane (who doesn't use a tax agent) a reminder in August 2008 to file his outstanding 2008 IR3 income tax return. The reminder tells Shane that his return is overdue and he'll incur a late filing penalty in 30 days' time if he doesn't file the return. Shane doesn't file the return by the end of the 30-day period, and is sent a statement of account for the penalty. The due date for payment of the penalty is 7 February 2009, which is also the due date for Shane's RIT. |
|
Employer monthly schedules:
- for employers whose total PAYE and ESCT*, employer superannuation contribution tax, deductions are $500,000 or more a year: the 5th of the month following the month the schedule was due
- for employers whose total PAYE and ESCT deductions are less than $500,000 a year: the 20th of the month following the month the schedule was due.
*Formerly specified superannuation contribution withholding tax (SSCWT).
| Example 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sonia's employer monthly schedule for the month ending 31 July 2008 was due by 20 August 2008. She doesn't file the schedule and a late filing penalty of $250 is automatically imposed. No prior notification is given but she is sent a statement of account for the penalty. As Sonia files her schedules monthly, the due date for payment of the penalty is 20 September 2008. | |
If you don't pay a late filing penalty by the due date, late payment penalties and interest may be charged.
Date published: 31 Mar 2009
Back to top
