Foreign-owned businesses operating in Australia may need to correct a tax return, activity statement or other tax information when an error or omission is identified. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) advises businesses to correct mistakes as soon as possible, as some corrections are subject to legal time limits and additional tax may result in interest or penalties.
When does a foreign-owned business need to amend a tax return?
A business may need to amend a return or revise a statement when information previously lodged with the ATO was incorrect or incomplete.
Common situations include:
entering an incorrect figure
failing to report income or a capital gain
incorrectly claiming a deduction or tax credit
failing to claim an eligible deduction or credit
discovering that circumstances affecting a previously reported item have changed.
For an overseas-owned company, these issues can arise where Australian transactions, deductions or income have been incorrectly recorded or where information becomes available after the original return was lodged.
Should you correct a tax mistake as soon as you find it?
You should should address errors as soon as you become aware of them. Delaying a correction can create additional tax administration issues. If an amendment results in more tax being payable, interest and penalties may apply. The ATO may also review the information provided before making an adjustment.
There can also be specific time limits for making amendments, depending on the type of return and circumstances. For example, the general amendment period for an income tax assessment is two years from the day after the notice of assessment, although different rules can apply.
How do you correct an Australian tax mistake?
The correction process depends on what was originally lodged.
A foreign-owned business may need to:
Amend a tax return where an error relates to an income tax return.
Revise an activity statement where the mistake relates to amounts reported on a BAS.
Correct another tax statement or return where specific correction procedures apply.
Make a voluntary disclosure in circumstances where an error needs to be proactively disclosed to the ATO.
The appropriate process can depend on the type of error, the relevant tax period and whether the mistake has affected the amount of tax payable. If you are unsure which process applies, check with ABN Australia’s tax and accounting team before making a correction.
What if the ATO is already reviewing your business?
If the ATO has notified your business that an audit or review is underway, you should tell the tax officer handling the review about the error. This is particularly important for foreign-owned businesses that may have complex Australian tax arrangements and need to ensure that corrections are handled consistently with information already provided to the ATO.
Why choose ABN Australia for international tax and accounting?
ABN Australia works with foreign-owned businesses operating in Australia. Our team can assist with specialised Australian tax and accounting requirements for foreign-owned businesses, including reviewing financial information, identifying potential reporting issues and helping businesses understand the steps required to correct or amend information already lodged.
For international businesses, having an Australian accounting team that understands both the local requirements and the practical challenges of operating across borders can help you keep Australian tax reporting organised and aligned with the business's wider operations.
If you have identified a potential tax reporting error, ABN Australia can help you assess the issue and determine the appropriate next steps.
Last updated: 22nd Sept 2026
About the Author
Ro Elvinia is ABN Australia's Customer Success and Marketing Manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, majoring in journalism, and also has an academic background in civil engineering. With over a decade of experience in professional writing and a background spanning journalism, Australian immigration, and business services, Ro brings a unique mix of communication and analytical expertise. She works closely with international clients and contributes to ABN Australia's content strategy, helping global businesses stay informed and confident as they navigate the Australian market.
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Ro Elvinia
Marketing Manager