I tried phoning the ATO, I asked for advice or a form to lodge my 2024 tax return, but was told that I should just lodge late and if I got a penalty I should apply to the ATO to have it remitted, as I have a good reason.. The ato site deflects searches for a form to tax agents. I have less than $100 income, so I don't want to pay a tax agent
Hi @CK2020,
Just to clarify.
You want a form to lodge your 2024 tax return, as mentioned in your question text.
Or you want a lodgement deferral form, as mentioned in your heading. It's true, these are only accessed through Tax agents as if they weren't everyone would do them! ๐
If you already know your income amounts, why do you need to defer? โ
If you've only earnt $100, maybe consider if you do need to lodge?
Without knowing more about your situation, we're not sure how to help you. ๐ค
Hi @CK2020,
Just to clarify.
You want a form to lodge your 2024 tax return, as mentioned in your question text.
Or you want a lodgement deferral form, as mentioned in your heading. It's true, these are only accessed through Tax agents as if they weren't everyone would do them! ๐
If you already know your income amounts, why do you need to defer? โ
If you've only earnt $100, maybe consider if you do need to lodge?
Without knowing more about your situation, we're not sure how to help you. ๐ค
Thanks Tamara, sorry for the badly worded post.
The lodgment deferral application form was what I was chasing - my situation is a little more complex regarding requirement to lodge, and there is also an expected refund, but it was merely that I could not find a deferral application form online and thought I must not be searching properly. Everywhere I searched (including in a section for individuals and families) took me to the tax agent form.
Turns out that I wasn't searching badly, the form simply doesn't exist, so thanks for letting me know. I don't feel so bad that I failed to find it :-) I appreciate the answer, you helped, it was what I needed to know.
I offer the comment that it seems a little unfair that Australians have to pay a tax agent simply to request a lodgment deferral. I had assumed that it is an application which can be denied by the ATO if the reasons aren't satisfactory, and so it never occurred to me to think that "everyone would do them". Turns out, based on your answer, it seems that tax agents are the only ones allowed to apply. Disappointing, but at least I know now.
Cheers, many thanks
15 Apr 2026 ยท 4 min read time
16 July 2025 ยท 5 min read time
653 views
2 replies