Lodging an objection or appeal
Learn more about lodging an objection or appeal for the following:
What to do
Where a taxpayer is dissatisfied with an assessment or a decision made by RevenueSA, you are encouraged to discuss the matter with a RevenueSA staff member prior to formally lodging an objection. Many misunderstandings can be clarified at this point, resulting in the objection not proceeding. Should you be dissatisfied with the discussions, the next step is for the taxpayer to lodge an objection, pursuant to Section 82 of the Taxation Administration Act 1996 (the "TAA”).
Objections are to be forwarded to:
Treasurer
GPO Box 2264
ADELAIDE SA 5001
An objection is a written notice addressed to the Treasurer informing him that the taxpayer is dissatisfied with an assessment or decision of the Commissioner of State Taxation (the "Commissioner”). An objection must be lodged within 60 days of either the date on which the notice of assessment was served on the taxpayer or the date on which the taxpayer was notified of the decision.
The grounds of an objection must be stated fully and in detail in the notice of objection. This generally involves setting out the facts and addressing the relevant points of law where it is considered that the Commissioner may have incorrectly applied the law. References to case law or other legal references may help with your argument. The taxpayer must prove on the balance of probabilities that their case is correct; the "onus of proof" rests with the taxpayer.
Objections cannot be made on the grounds of fairness but should focus on why the assessment or decision was wrong in fact or law.
A taxpayer is not required to pay the relevant tax prior to lodging an objection. However, interest and penalty will continue to accrue if the taxpayer chooses not to pay the tax pending the outcome of the objection.
For more information relating to payment of an outstanding liability refer to our Objection or Appeal Lodged page.
After considering an objection, the Treasurer will confirm, revoke or modify the Commissioner’s assessment or decision. The Treasurer will notify the taxpayer in writing of his decision, setting out the reasons for the decision.
If the taxpayer is successful on objection, the overpaid tax will be refunded together with interest at the market rate from the date of payment of the tax to the date of the refund.
What to do
A taxpayer who is dissatisfied with the Treasurer’s determination of their objection may appeal to the Supreme Court within 60 days of the Treasurer’s determination of the objection, pursuant to section 92 of the TAA.
The taxpayer’s case on appeal is not limited to the grounds of the objection or the reasons for the determination of the objection or the facts on which the determination was made.
A taxpayer may also appeal to the Supreme Court if the Treasurer has failed to provide a determination within 90 days of lodgement of an objection. If a taxpayer decides to adopt this course of action, at least 14 days written notice must be given to the Commissioner of the intention to appeal.
As with an objection, it is the taxpayer's responsibility to prove that their case is correct; the "onus of proof" rests with the taxpayer.
50% of the relevant tax must be paid before an appeal is lodged, however, the Treasurer has the discretion to allow an appeal to proceed even though the tax has not been paid.
For more information relating to payment of an outstanding liability refer to our Objection or Appeal Lodged page.
On appeal, the Supreme Court may do one or more of the following:
- confirm or revoke the assessment or decision to which the appeal relates;
- make an alternative assessment or decision in place of the assessment or decision to which the appeal relates;
- order that the Commissioner be paid any assessed amount that is outstanding;
- make an order as to whether costs should be awarded.
If the taxpayer is successful on appeal, the overpaid tax will be refunded together with interest at the market rate from the date of payment of the tax to the date of refund.
What to do
If you do not agree with the statutory valuation referred to in the Notice of Emergency Services Levy Assessment (capital value) or Notice of Land Tax Assessment (site value), you may lodge an objection with the Valuer-General.
You must lodge an objection within 60 days of receiving the first rate notice from any rating authority for the financial year. An objection is a formal process and there are specific legislative requirements under the Valuation of Land Act 1971 for both you and the Valuer-General.
You must confirm what it is that you are objecting to - site value, capital value or both valuations. If you wish to object to both site and capital value or lodge an objection for multiple properties, you need to complete and lodge a separate form for each value and property.
Prior to lodging a formal objection, you can seek further information or clarification by contacting the Office of the Valuer-General via Land Services SA on the below contact number.
Your objections to the statutory valuation can be directed to the Office of the Valuer-General.
Online:
Complete the on-line objection form at https://dpti.sa.gov.au/land/office_of_the_valuer_general/valuation/how_to_object
Email:
Mail:
GPO Box 1354
ADELAIDE SA 5001
Phone:
1300 653 346
In person:
101 Grenfell Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Please note: If you lodge an objection, you are still required to pay your land tax or emergency services levy by the due date. If your objection results in an amendment to the value, then a refund may be issued.
What to do
If you believe that the land use which has been attributed to your land on your Emergency Services Levy Notice is incorrect, you can lodge an objection in writing within 60 days after the date of service of the Notice.
Objections are to be directed to:
Commissioner of State Taxation
GPO Box 1647
ADELAIDE SA 5001
An applicant who is dissatisfied with the decision may appeal to the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT), pursuant to Section 9 of the Emergency Services Funding Act 1998.
What to do
If you require an independent review of a decision in relation to a grant application, you may lodge a written notice of objection with the Treasurer, pursuant to Section 25 of the First Home & Housing Construction Grants Act 2000 (the "FH&HCG Act”).
Objections are to be forwarded to:
Treasurer
GPO Box 2264
ADELAIDE SA 5001
An objection is a written notice addressed to the Treasurer informing him that the applicant is dissatisfied with the Commissioner of State Taxation’s (the "Commissioner”) decision on a grant application. An Objection must be lodged within 60 days of the date of the notice of the Commissioner’s decision.
The grounds of an objection must be stated fully and in detail in the notice of objection. This generally involves setting out the facts of the case and addressing the relevant points of law where it is considered that the Commissioner may have incorrectly applied the law. References to case law or other legal references may help with your argument. Objections cannot be made on the grounds of fairness but should focus on why the Commissioner's decision was wrong in fact or law.
After considering an objection, the Treasurer will make a determination to either confirm, vary or reverse the Commissioner’s decision. The Treasurer will notify the applicant in writing of his decision, setting out the reasons for the decision.
An applicant who is dissatisfied with the Treasurer’s determination may appeal to the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) within 60 days of the Treasurer's determination of the objection, pursuant to Section 28 of the FH&HCG Act.
What to do
A betting operator that is dissatisfied with a reviewable decision of the Commissioner may lodge a written notice of objection with the Treasurer within 60 days of the decision, stating fully and in detail the grounds for the objection. The Treasurer can permit an objection after the 60-day period, but not after 12 months of the decision.
Objections are to be forwarded to:
Treasurer
GPO Box 2264
ADELAIDE SA 5001
A betting operator that is dissatisfied with a decision of the Treasurer to an objection may appeal to the Supreme Court within 60 days of the date of the Treasurer's determination. Appeals need not be restricted to the grounds of the original objection. The Supreme Court can permit an appeal after the 60-day period, but not after 12 months of the determination.
An appeal cannot be exercised unless 50% of the tax assessed (not including interest or penalty tax) that relates to the appeal has been paid.
Appeal outcomes
First Home & Construction Grants
View outcomes of first home and construction grant appeals heard by the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal since August 2017.
Land Tax
View outcomes of land tax appeals heard by the Supreme Court of South Australia since November 2007.
Payroll Tax
View outcomes of payroll tax appeals heard by the Supreme Court of South Australia since May 1980.
Stamp Duty
View outcomes of stamp duty appeals heard by the Supreme Court of South Australia since October 1998.
Contact us
When contacting us please provide your details, including your taxpayer numbers if possible.
This could be your ownership number, assessment number, SA taxpayer number, or similar. You may need to provide your vehicle details (if about motor vehicle stamp duty), property details (if about property stamp duty or a housing grant) or other information to help us identify you and help with your query.
Phone | (08) 8226 3750 |
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revenuesa@sa.gov.au | |
Post | GPO Box 1353, Adelaide, SA 5001 |
You can reach us during business hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm (South Australian time), Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).