Years behind on tax returns? You’re not alone. Our registered tax agents will catch up your lodgements, apply for Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalty remission, and have you back in good standing with the ATO. Multi-year catch-up handled in-house, no judgement, no obligation. Book a free consultation and walk away with a clear plan.
No obligation. We’ll get back within 1 business day.
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An overdue tax return is any return that wasn’t lodged with the ATO by its due date – whether it’s an individual return, a business return, a sole trader’s annual return, or a Business Activity Statement (BAS). Falling behind triggers Failure to Lodge penalties and, eventually, default assessments where the ATO estimates your tax for you (usually higher than reality).
Already have an ATO debt? Once your lodgements are up to date, we’ll help you negotiate the debt itself.
| Years behind | What's involved | Indicative outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | Single income tax return; ATO pre-fill covers most income. | Often a refund; minimal FTL penalty (sometimes remitted). |
| 2–5 years | Multi-year reconstruction using ATO pre-fill, bank statements and supplier records. | FTL penalties stack but are often remittable; refunds may offset some debt. |
| 5+ years | Full reconstruction; the ATO can chase returns going back decades. | Higher FTL exposure but penalties remittable in many cases; sometimes a refund still applies. |
| Don't have records? | We rebuild from ATO portal data, BAS history, bank statements and supplier records. | Same outcome as above — missing records aren't a blocker. |
The ATO charges $313 per return for each 28-day period you're late. Lodging now stops penalties from accumulating further.
Many people who fall behind on lodging are actually owed tax refunds. Lodging lets you claim that money back.
If you don't lodge, the ATO estimates your tax (usually higher). Lodge your actual return to ensure accurate assessment.
Get a clean slate. Once lodged and penalties addressed, you're back in good standing for future compliance.
We prepare and lodge all your outstanding returns with the ATO on your behalf.
We communicate directly with the ATO so you don't have to. We handle enquiries, explanations, and follow-ups.
We apply to have your Failure to Lodge penalties remitted or reduced based on your circumstances.
We offer ongoing tax compliance plans to proactively manage your ongoing tax obligations to ensure you don't have to stress about tax again.
Walk away with a clear plan - guaranteed!
Our expert accountants in Sydney help Australian business owners catch up on years of overdue tax returns every day. Book a free consultation - we'll review your situation and give you a clear plan to get compliant.
Tax Position Review
We review your ATO portal to identify all overdue obligations, years outstanding, and potential penalties. This usually takes 24–48 business hours.
Preparation & Lodgement
We prepare using the correct year’s tax legislation & rates (the ATO doesn’t accept current-year rules for prior-year returns). Most catch-ups are completed within 2-4 weeks.
Clean Slate
Penalties are addressed, payment plans arranged if needed, and you’re set up so you never fall behind again.
Future Compliance
We move you onto our Tax Compliance Plan or Sole Trader Tax Plan with reminders, BAS prep and annual return included to stop the recurring nightmare.
There’s no limit. The ATO can chase outstanding returns going back decades, and the obligation to lodge doesn’t expire. The good news is that no matter how far behind you are, a Lawpath accountant can help you get back on track and work through your lodgements in the right order.
In most cases, no. The ATO’s focus is on getting you compliant, not prosecution. However, deliberately avoiding your obligations or providing false information can lead to serious criminal penalties. The best thing you can do is take action now. A Lawpath accountant can help you lodge outstanding returns and engage with the ATO on your behalf.
That’s more common than you’d think, and it doesn’t have to stop you. The ATO holds a lot of your income data, and a good accountant can reconstruct records using bank statements, ATO data, and other sources. Speak with a Lawpath accountant to work out what’s recoverable and get your returns lodged.
Yes. If you have an unpaid tax debt and don’t engage with the ATO, they can issue a garnishee order to collect directly from your wages, bank accounts, or money owed to you by third parties. The best way to avoid this is to get ahead of it. A Lawpath accountant can help you set up a payment plan before it reaches that point.
The ATO can charge a Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalty for each outstanding return, and the amount increases the longer you leave it. On top of that, any unpaid tax will attract a General Interest Charge (GIC) that compounds daily. A Lawpath accountant can help you lodge and may be able to apply for a remission of penalties and interest on your behalf.
The Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalty is set per 28-day period a return is late, with the unit value adjusted by the ATO. For multiple years and multiple returns, penalties stack – a registered tax agent can apply for remission in cases of hardship, illness or extenuating circumstances.
Yes for individual returns within the past 4-5 years. For older returns, multi-year backlogs, business activity statements, or once enforcement starts, you’ll typically need a registered tax agent.
Eventually, yes. The ATO uses data-matching with banks, employers, and other agencies. The longer you wait, the bigger the penalties stack and the higher the risk of default assessment, garnishee or — for company directors – a Director Penalty Notice.
Yes, in many cases. Many people who fall behind are actually owed a refund. Lodging now lets you claim that money back, although the ATO can offset it against any outstanding debt.
No obligation. We'll get back within 1 business day.
By clicking on 'Submit an enquiry' you are agreeing to the Lawpath Terms & Conditions
