RevenueSA conducts investigations to ensure the first home owner grant is paid only to eligible applicants. These investigations include cross checking, data matching and verifying information with extensive third party data from multiple sources within state, territory and federal government and private enterprise.

When considering the amount of penalty to apply in each case, the Commissioner of State Taxation (the "Commissioner") takes into account all relevant circumstances of the case as well as the level of honesty and co-operation of the applicant(s) and/or their agents or representatives when contacted by RevenueSA.

Reasonable care taken

Genuine, reasonable belief of compliance with the grant.

When determining reasonable care the Commissioner will consider whether a 'reasonable person or persons' would have acted in the same manner.

Negligence or carelessness

Failing to contact the Commissioner in writing within the required timeframe.

Genuine but unreasonable belief of compliance.

When determining negligence or carelessness the Commissioner will consider the level of care a 'reasonable person or persons' would have taken in the same circumstances.

Intentional disregard and/or inaccurate application

No intention of compliance with the grant.

Providing inaccurate, misleading and/or false information when applying for the grant (includes non-disclosure of: spouse/domestic partner or prior relevant interest).

When determining intentional disregard the Commissioner will consider how a 'reasonable person or persons' would objectively view the intentions of the applicant(s), inferred by facts and the applicant's actions.

The Commissioner will impose administrative penalties in accordance with the below penalty tables.

  • 0%

    Reasonable care taken

    0%

    Negligence or carelessness

    15%

    Intentional disregard and/or inaccurate application

  • * Immediate is taken to mean the first response to RevenueSA after the commencement of an investigation provided it is received within the requested time period.

    0%

    Reasonable care taken

    10%

    Negligence or carelessness

    25%

    Intentional disregard and/or inaccurate application

  • 10%

    Reasonable care taken

    25%

    Negligence or carelessness

    50%

    Intentional disregard and/or inaccurate application

  • 25%

    Reasonable care taken

    50%

    Negligence or carelessness

    75%

    Intentional disregard and/or inaccurate application

  • 25%

    Reasonable care taken

    50%

    Negligence or carelessness

    75%

    Intentional disregard and/or inaccurate application

  • 100%

    Reasonable care taken

    100%

    Negligence or carelessness

    100%

    Intentional disregard and/or inaccurate application

  • 100%

    Reasonable care taken

    100%

    Negligence or carelessness

    100%

    Intentional disregard and/or inaccurate application

    • The Commissioner may commence legal proceedings/prosecutions in cases where an applicant or applicants provide fraudulent or misleading information. Penalties for successful prosecution may result in a maximum custodial penalty of two years, a maximum fine of $20,000 and a criminal conviction.

    There are substantial penalties for dishonestly providing incorrect or misleading information in connection with an application for the first home owner benefits. RevenueSA conducts investigations and compliance checks to ensure first home owner grant and additional scheme benefits are only provided to applicants entitled to receive them.

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