I would like to obtain copies of old tax returns 1980-2000. Is this possible and if so, is there a fee?
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Hello @TommyTabby,
Depending on what you mean by copies of old tax returns will determine what you need to do. If you are looking for old tax return forms you can find them on the prior year tax return information page. If you are wanting copies of your old tax returns then you will need to complete a copies of tax documents request, however you may not be able to get copies all the way back to 1980. I believe the standard request at this time states from 1997 onwards. There is no fee associated at this time to requesting these documents.
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Hello @TommyTabby,
Depending on what you mean by copies of old tax returns will determine what you need to do. If you are looking for old tax return forms you can find them on the prior year tax return information page. If you are wanting copies of your old tax returns then you will need to complete a copies of tax documents request, however you may not be able to get copies all the way back to 1980. I believe the standard request at this time states from 1997 onwards. There is no fee associated at this time to requesting these documents.
I think you intend to obtain copies of the returns you lodged between 1980 and 2000. If you used an accountant or tax agent, the accountant or tax agent may or may not have copies on file. (I could be wrong but...) As far as I know, until about 1990, when the ATO computer system was upgraded, the ATO (or the Micrographics Bureau) kept (archived on microfiche) only records of 1. Taxable Income, 2. Debits, 3. Credits, 4. Balances/Adjustments, 5. Arrears, 6. Final Balance for each return a taxpayer lodged - e.g. $26835, A $3028.15, O $210.53, E $3850.00, L $7088.58DR, $5603.93 DR, $16592.51 DR. During the 1980s these sub-totals were stored on microfiche or similar. At some stage after 1999, perhaps around 2005, the warehoused (?) microfiche were destroyed. Alas. The blank forms are available as pdfs online on the ATO website, running back to about 1984, I would like to have blank forms for 1980 and 1981 and 1983, but I think these are unobtainable. I have the forms for years 1968 through 1974, & for 1982. You can see from the tax reckoner tables on the earlier forms how the ATO has re-invented / corrupted the meaning of the expression "Self-Assessment".
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