For applicants on the Subclass 491 or 494 visa, missing even one Notice of Assessment (NOA) can stall your transition to Permanent Residency (Subclass 191). In 2026, the Department of Home Affairs is stricter than ever about seeing a complete “Tax Paper Trail” to verify your regional residence.

Here is the definitive guide to retrieving those missing documents.

1. The Fastest Way: The MyGov “History” Hack

If you have a linked MyGov account, you can usually download your NOAs in under 2 minutes. However, in 2026, many users look in the wrong place (“Lodgments”). The actual document is stored in “Communication.”

1. Log in to MyGov and select Australian Taxation Office.
2. Go to the “My Profile” menu at the top.
3. Select “Communication” and then “History.”
4. Filter by date. Look for the document titled “Notice of Assessment.”
5. Click “View” and save the PDF. Note: For the 191 visa, you need the official PDF, not a screenshot of the summary.

2. What if the NOA is Missing from History?

If you can’t find it in your communication history, it may be because you haven’t lodged for that year or you used a tax agent who received the paper copy.

• Check “Income Tax History”: Go to Tax > Lodgments > Income Tax and select the History tab. This will show if a return was actually processed for that year.
• Contact Your Old Tax Agent: Legally, tax agents must keep your records for several years. They can provide a digital copy of the NOA issued to them on your behalf.

3. The “Unemployed” Fix: Non-Lodgment Advice

A common reason for a missing NOA is that you didn’t earn enough to lodge a return. Home Affairs still requires proof for these years.

• The Document: You need a Non-Lodgment Advice (NLA).
• How to Get It: In your MyGov ATO portal, go to Tax > Lodgments > Non-lodgment advice. Complete the form for the missing year.
• The Result: The ATO will issue a confirmation that a return was not necessary. This acts as your “placeholder” NOA for your PR application.

4. Requesting Older or Archived Records (13 28 61)

If the year you need is more than 5 years old or is not appearing online:

1. Call the ATO on 13 28 61 (within Australia) or +61 2 6216 1111 (from overseas).
2. You will need your Tax File Number (TFN) and identity documents ready.
3. Ask for a “Certified Copy” of your Notice of Assessment for the specific financial year.
4. Timeline: In 2026, paper or archived requests can take 10 to 28 business days to arrive by mail. Start this process at least 2 months before your visa expires.

2026 PR Readiness Checklist: Tax Documents