Step by step guide – Applying for a review at the Hardship Review Board 

Make sure you have all your supporting documents ready with you before you start your application. Once you start your application, you can’t save it for later. 

Your supporting documents need to explain your financial, medical or personal circumstances. Some examples of supporting documents and evidence include:

• copies of your recent payslips, or Centrelink statement
• copies of your recent bank statement showing your debts and income
• copies of your most recent utility bills such as energy, water and phone bills
• copy of your rental statement if you are renting
• any written reports or letters from your doctor, psychologist or caseworker
• any relevant police report or court document
• any other document you think is relevant to your situation.

You can ask a friend, family member or a community welfare service to help you apply. 

If you want to authorise someone else to apply on your behalf, you need to complete an Authority to Act form.

You can download the Authority to Act form on the NSW Government website.

Instructions: Instructions Authority to Act - HRB 

Sample: Sample Authority to Act -HRB

You can apply for a review online, see Fines Hardship Review Board enquiry on the Hardship Review Board website.

There is no separate form.

If you are unable to apply online, call the Hardship Review Board on (02) 7808 6946 or ask for more information using the online contact form. 

There is no fee to apply. 

The Hardship Review Board will make their decision based on the information that you originally provided to Revenue NSW as well as your application to the Hardship Review Board. 

You may be asked to provide further supporting evidence to help them make a decision. You will not to be able to attend the Hardship Review Board in person. 

You will receive a letter from the Hardship Review Board with the reasons for their decision.

If your application is successful

If your application is successful, the Hardship Review Board can direct Revenue NSW to:

• allow you to pay your fine on a payment plan
• change the amount on a payment plan postpone
• payment of your fine write off your fine
• allow or change a WDO.

Revenue NSW must comply with decision.

If your application is refused

If your application is refused, Revenue NSW can continue to enforce the fine against you and apply enforcement fees. 

You should speak to an advocate about the best way to deal with your fine(s)