Step by step guide - Applying for a write off

Your letter to Revenue NSW should include the following information:

• your full name, date of birth, address and licence number (if you have one)
• your overdue fine reference number(s)
• your Centrelink Reference Number (if applicable)
• the reason(s) for your application.

If you don't know the fine reference numbers, include the time period for the fines that you want written off.

In your letter, you must explain your circumstances. For example:

• you can’t pay the fine(s) now and your situation is unlikely to improve in the next five years
• you don’t own any substantial assets that can be seized (taken) and sold by the Sheriff
• you don’t have money that Revenue NSW can take from your wages or bank account (garnish)
• you don’t own any property Revenue NSW can claim an interest on, and
• a Work and Development Order (WDO) is not suitable.

A WDO allows you to clear your fines by participating in activities or treatment programs through an approved sponsor. You should explain the reason why you can’t do a WDO.

If you need help, or you are unsure if you are eligible, you should speak to an advocate.

It’s a good idea to ask Revenue NSW to suspend enforcement action while they assess your application.

Sample: Letter to Revenue NSW for a write off

You need the following forms:

• SDR 014 - Authority to act (if you want to authorise someone else to act on your behalf)
• SDR 006 – Declaration of your circumstances

For more information on authorising someone else to act on your behalf, see Authorise someone else on the NSW Government website.

If you can’t download the form on the NSW Government website, call 1300 138 118.

If you want to authorise someone else to act on your behalf, you will need to complete this form.

You must include the following information in the form:

• your full name and current address
• your previous address (if applicable)
• your date of birth
• your driver licence number
• your phone number and email address (if you have one)
• name, date of birth and contact details of the person you are authorising to act
• how long the authority is for
• the relevant fine(s).

You will need to sign and date the form. 

Instructions:  Authority to act – Revenue NSW

Sample:  Authority to act – Revenue NSW

You must include the following information in the form:

• your full name and current address
• your previous address (if applicable)
• your date of birth
• your driver licence number
• your passport number (if you have one)
• your phone number and email address (if you have one)
• your work details, if you are employed or self-employed
• your income details and payslips
• your expenses
• your assets and debts
• your bank account details
• your overdue fine number
• if you can pay by instalments 
• how much you can afford to pay by instalments.

You will need to write your name, sign and date the form. 

Look at the checklist on the last page of the form.

Instructions: Declaration of your circumstances

Sample: Declaration of your circumstances

It’s important to provide supporting documents to show that you can’t pay the fine. You can provide a copy of:

• your bank statements including home, personal and other loan statements, and your credit card statements
• your payslips, Centrelink statements or other income details (if any)
• other financial details such as copies of utility bills and other expenses.

If the reason for your write off application is based on your medical or personal circumstances, you must include documents to support your reason. These can include:

• medical reports from your health care provider(s)
• any relevant court order(s)
• a letter from independent support service(s)
• statement(s) from other people who can give evidence of your circumstances.

Attach your completed Authority to Act (if relevant), Declaration of your circumstances and supporting documents to your letter.

You can apply:

• online on Write Off Application on the NSW Government website
• by emailing your completed application to writeoff@revenue.nsw.gov.au 
• by posting your completed application to: Revenue NSW PO Box 786 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012.  
   

Remember to keep a copy of your application before you send it.

Revenue NSW will consider your application and send you a letter explaining their decision. You should receive a response within 28 days.

If your application is successful

If your application is successful, Revenue NSW may write off all or part of your fine(s). They can also include conditions, for example:

• you don’t have any more fines from Revenue NSW that reach the enforcement order stage for five years
• you must tell Revenue NSW about any changes to your medical, personal or financial circumstances
• if you have received a partial write off, that you agree to pay the remaining amount by instalments.

When a fine is partially or fully written off, Revenue NSW considers the written off amount to be paid.  

Revenue NSW may resume enforcement action if:

• you don’t follow the condition(s) of your write off
• Revenue NSW is satisfied that your circumstances have changed, and you now have enough money to pay
• Revenue NSW receives a new fine enforcement order. This may be a court fine enforcement order, or an overdue penalty notice.

Don’t ignore future fines. Take action by setting up a payment plan, doing a WDO, or by disputing the fine through internal review or at the Local Court.

Always update your address with Transport for NSW within 14 days of moving house so that any new fines will reach you.

If your application is unsuccessful

If your application for a write off is unsuccessful, you will be notified in writing. You may still apply for a WDO if you are eligible. You will be given another 28 days to deal with the fine. 

If you disagree with Revenue NSW's decision, and a WDO is not suitable, you can have your fine reviewed by the Hardship Review Board.

Before you apply to review the decision, you should consider contacting Revenue NSW to discuss their decision.

For more information, see Step by step guide - Applying for a review at the Hardship Review Board.