Two years, no more (for many) to amend tax returns

Although the legislative provisions remain largely unchanged, extensive regulatory exclusions mean that all but the simplest of taxpayer affairs are now potentially subject to a four-year limitation period for both ATO and taxpayer assessment amendments, as outlined by Craig Jackson and Aylin Harapoz.

In tax philosophy (yes, there is such a thing), one of the key principles is certainty. For many, this is obtained through the operation of the limitation of amendment provisions. The certainty is that after a defined period, your tax return (or assessment) cannot be re-opened by the Commissioner of Taxation even if it contains errors. Over time, this period has changed. About 20 years ago, this was shortened for most individuals and small businesses from four years to two years. This wa...

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Authors: Craig Jackson, Aylin Harapoz

Published Date: 26 November 2025