If you believe that making your compulsory repayment would cause you serious hardship, or there are other special reasons why you believe that you should not have to make a compulsory repayment, you may apply to the Deputy Commissioner of Taxation, in writing, to have that amount deferred. If you intend to apply to defer your compulsory repayment, you will need to complete the form, Deferring your compulsory HELP, HECS or SFSS repayment, available from the Tax Office. On the form, you are asked to provide a detailed statement of your household income and expenditure to justify your claim.
Compulsory HELP repayments relate only to 2005-06 and later income years. There are time limits for applying to defer your compulsory HELP repayment.
Compulsory HECS repayments relate only to 2004-05 and earlier income years. You can apply to defer your compulsory HECS repayment at any time.
The Tax Office will advise you, in writing, whether your application is successful. If you are unhappy with the decision, you may apply to have the decision reviewed within 28 days of receiving it. You will be notified of the outcome of the review within 28 days of the Tax Office receiving your request.
Once your decision has been reviewed, you may then apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) for a review of that decision. The application must be lodged with the AAT within 28 days of the letter advising you of the outcome of the review.
For more information on applying to defer a compulsory repayment, including time limits, contact the Tax Office on 1300 650 225.
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