Yes! You can use AI to fill out Partnership Tax Return 2019 (NAT 0659)

People frequently transpose digits or enter an outdated TFN/ABN when completing the partnership identification fields. Because the TFN and ABN are split across multiple separate character boxes (three groups for TFN, four groups for ABN), it is easy to misalign digits between groups. An incorrect TFN or ABN can cause the ATO to be unable to match the return to the correct entity, leading to processing delays or incorrect assessments. Always verify the TFN and ABN against the partnership's official ATO correspondence before entering, and use a tool like Instafill.ai to auto-populate and validate these numbers to prevent transposition errors.

A common mistake is entering the partnership name in a slightly different format than what is registered with the ATO — for example, abbreviating 'and' to '&', omitting punctuation, or using lowercase letters instead of BLOCK LETTERS. The form requires one character per box in BLOCK LETTERS, and any deviation from the registered name can cause a mismatch in ATO records. This can result in the return being linked to the wrong entity or requiring manual correction. Always cross-check the partnership name against the ABN registration on the ABN Lookup website, and ensure every character is entered in the correct box using capital letters only.

When the partnership name or postal address has changed since the last return, many filers leave the 'Previous name of partnership' or 'Postal address on previous tax return' fields blank, or vice versa — they fill them in even when nothing has changed. The instructions are clear: the previous name must be printed exactly as shown on the last return lodged only if the name has changed, and the previous address must be completed only if the address has changed. Failing to follow these rules can cause confusion in the ATO's records and may trigger unnecessary correspondence. Carefully read the conditional instructions for each field before completing or leaving it blank.

Item 2 requires filers to mark only the first applicable status among B1 (Multiple business), B2 (Ceased business), and B3 (Commenced business), or leave it blank if none apply. A frequent error is marking more than one of these boxes, or marking B3 (Commenced business) when the business actually ceased, or leaving the field blank when a status does apply. Selecting the wrong status can affect how the ATO processes the return and may trigger unnecessary audits or reviews. Read the instructions carefully to determine which label — if any — is the first applicable option, and mark only that single box.

Many filers leave the industry code (Item 1, label A) blank or enter an incorrect code that does not accurately reflect the partnership's main business activity. The industry code is a specific numeric classification that must be sourced from the ATO's industry code list in the Partnership tax return instructions 2019. Using the wrong code or leaving it blank can affect statistical reporting and may flag the return for review. Always refer to the instructions or the ATO website to find the correct industry code for the partnership's primary activity, and double-check that the code entered matches the description provided.

Item 5 (Business income and expenses) has separate columns for primary production and non-primary production, and multiple specific labels (e.g., gross payments where ABN not quoted, assessable government industry payments, cost of sales, depreciation). Filers often enter amounts in the wrong label — for example, putting all income under 'Other business income' instead of correctly categorising it, or omitting the reconciliation adjustments at labels A and B. Misclassification can result in incorrect net income calculations and potential penalties. Carefully read the instructions for each label and ensure amounts are categorised correctly; AI-powered tools like Instafill.ai can help map income and expense categories to the correct labels.

The Statement of Distribution must be completed for every partner, including their full name, TFN or ABN, date of birth, address, and their individual share of income, credits, and offsets. A common mistake is completing the distribution for only some partners, omitting partner TFNs (even though it is not an offence, it can cause delays), or entering the trust name instead of the trustee's name (the form specifically requires the trust name, not the trustee's name, when the partner is a trustee). Incomplete distribution statements can delay partner assessments and cause mismatches. Ensure every partner section is fully completed and that shares of income across all partners add up to the total partnership income.

Item 5 (Business income and expenses) explicitly states 'WHOLE DOLLARS ONLY', yet many filers enter amounts including cents (e.g., $12,345.67 instead of $12,346). Other items throughout the form use '.00' fields indicating cents should be entered as zero. Entering cents in whole-dollar fields can cause calculation errors and may result in the return being rejected or requiring amendment. Always round amounts to the nearest whole dollar for fields marked 'WHOLE DOLLARS ONLY', and enter '.00' in the cents portion of fields that display a decimal point.

Items 29 and 30 require specific Yes/No answers about overseas transactions, dealings with international related parties, thin capitalisation, and personal services income. Filers often skip these questions or answer 'No' without properly considering whether any transactions meet the thresholds (e.g., the $2 million aggregate threshold for international related party dealings). Failing to answer 'Yes' when required and attach the International dealings schedule 2019 can constitute a false or misleading statement, which carries heavy penalties under tax law. Review all overseas transactions and related party dealings carefully against the thresholds specified in the instructions before answering these questions.

The taxpayer's declaration at the end of the return must be signed by a partner — not by an accountant, bookkeeper, or other representative (who has a separate tax agent declaration). A common mistake is having the tax agent sign the taxpayer's declaration, or leaving it unsigned altogether, which renders the return invalid. The declaration confirms that all information is true and correct, and an unsigned return will not be accepted by the ATO. Ensure a partner reviews the completed return and personally signs and dates the taxpayer's declaration before lodgement.

The interposed entity election section requires filers to enter the earliest income year if an existing or new election applies, or to print 'R' and attach the Interposed entity election or revocation 2019 form if revoking an election. Many filers leave this section blank when an election exists, enter the wrong income year, or forget to attach the required form when making or revoking an election. This can result in the election not being recorded or revoked correctly, with significant tax consequences for the partners. Consult the Partnership tax return instructions 2019 and any prior election documentation to ensure this section is completed accurately.

For each partner in Item 51, filers must choose between the INDIVIDUAL section (with surname, given names, TFN, and date of birth) and the NON-INDIVIDUAL section (with entity name and ABN). A frequent error is completing the individual section for a corporate partner or trust, or entering the trustee's personal name instead of the trust name. The form specifically states that if the partner is a trustee (including a trustee company), the name of the trust — not the trustee — must be shown. Misidentifying the partner type can cause ATO records to be incorrectly updated and may delay the processing of partner assessments. Carefully identify each partner's legal status before completing their section.