Late & multi-year tax returns

Behind on tax returns?

One year overdue or fifteen — we've handled it. Sydney's Chatswood-based late and multi-year tax return specialists since 1975. No judgment, and often without penalty where genuine cause exists.

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Falling behind on tax returns is more common than people think — and it happens for all sorts of reasons. Time-poor contractors and tradies whose paperwork slipped behind another quarter, then another. Non-residents living abroad who still own an Australian property and didn't realise the lodgement obligation kept running. Business owners who lost a partner, a year, or both. People who've just received an ATO bill or amended assessment and want someone in their corner.

Whatever brought you here, the work is the same. Tell us what's happened, hand over whatever paperwork you have, and we take it from there — including any ATO correspondence you'd rather not handle yourself. No judgment, no perfect-records requirement.

We've successfully lodged thousands of overdue returns — including for clients fifteen-plus years behind — and in most cases negotiated penalties down to zero or near it.

How we help

  • Lodge multiple years of returns in a single engagement — bulk catch-up
  • Negotiate ATO penalty reductions and waivers where genuine cause exists
  • Reconstruct your tax position from incomplete records using bank statements, ATO data and other available documentation
  • Respond to ATO warning letters and default assessments on your behalf
  • Set up payment arrangements with the ATO once returns are lodged
  • Catch up non-resident returns covering Australian rental income, capital gains and other ongoing obligations for clients living abroad
  • Handle Employee Share Scheme tangles, amended assessments and complicated prior-year items along the way

Whether you're one year behind or fifteen, the path forward is the same: get a clear picture, lodge what's outstanding, and let us handle the ATO from there.

What to bring (or send through)

Any ATO letters or assessments you've received, payslips or income summaries you have, bank statements for the affected years, and any prior tax returns. Don't worry if records are incomplete — we work with what you have and reconstruct the rest.

Frequently asked

Late tax return questions

What happens if I haven't lodged tax returns for 5+ years?
The ATO may charge penalties of up to $1,565 per overdue return and issue warning letters. We've successfully lodged returns for clients 15+ years behind. In most cases, we can negotiate with the ATO to have penalties waived or significantly reduced, especially when you're proactive about getting compliant. We handle all ATO communication on your behalf.
Can ATO penalties be waived or reduced?
Often yes. Most penalties can be waived or reduced when you show a genuine effort to become compliant. We have a strong track record of negotiating penalty reductions with the ATO. In many cases our clients pay no penalties when we lodge all overdue returns together and demonstrate reasonable cause for the delay.
Do I need all my paperwork from previous years?
No, you don't need perfect records. We can reconstruct your tax position using bank statements, ATO records and other available documentation. Many of our clients have incomplete paperwork — we work with what you have. The important thing is to start the process; we'll guide you through gathering what's needed.
How quickly can you lodge multiple years?
For urgent cases we offer a 48-hour turnaround. Most multi-year catch-ups are completed within 1-2 weeks, depending on complexity and the availability of records. We lodge all years together so you become compliant in one engagement.
Can you help if I've received ATO warning letters?
Yes. ATO warning letters are an opportunity to act before the situation escalates. We respond to the ATO on your behalf, explaining that you're working with a registered tax agent to become compliant. This shifts the ATO's approach from enforcement to assistance. Bring any ATO letters to your first appointment — we'll handle communication from there.
What if I can't pay the tax debt immediately?
You don't need to pay the debt before lodging — in fact, you can't set up an ATO payment plan until returns are lodged. We focus on getting you compliant first. Once lodged, we can help you negotiate a payment arrangement that fits your situation.
I live overseas but still own property in Australia — do I need to lodge?
Generally yes. Non-residents with Australian rental income, capital gains exposure on Australian property, or other Australian-sourced income usually still have lodgement obligations — even after years abroad. Non-resident rules and tax rates differ from resident returns, and getting the residency timing right matters. We handle non-resident catch-ups regularly and can review your specific position before any lodgement.

Years behind? Bring it in. We'll catch you up.

Chartered Accountants in Chatswood since 1975. Confidential, no judgment, often without penalty where genuine cause exists.

Call 02 9419 3833 Send a message
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