Yes! You can use AI to fill out Private Trust (Mod(PT).2005)

People often complete Mod(PT) even when the trust is vested with no gifts to declare, or when the arrangement is actually a Special Disability Trust or a complying super fund (which are excluded). This happens because the “when to use” rules are in the notes and applicants assume any trust involvement requires this form. Submitting the wrong form can delay assessment or trigger requests for additional evidence. Before starting, confirm the trust type and whether there were any transfers/gifts in the last 5 years, and keep evidence of vesting if relying on the exemption.

A very common error is combining details for multiple trusts on one Mod(PT), especially where a family has several related trusts. The form explicitly requires a separate form per trust, and mixing information makes it impossible to correctly attribute income/assets and match documents (tax returns, deeds, property details) to the right entity. This can lead to follow-up letters and reassessment delays. Use one Mod(PT) per trust and label any extra pages with the trust name and your CRN.

Applicants frequently omit the Trust TFN/ABN (Q8) or accidentally provide their own TFN/ABN because they don’t have the trust paperwork in front of them. Missing or incorrect identifiers can prevent Services Australia from matching the trust to ATO records and the trust tax return, causing delays and requests for clarification. To avoid this, copy the TFN/ABN exactly from the trust’s Income Tax Return or deed documentation and double-check you are not using personal identifiers.

People often tick “No partner” based on informal separation, living arrangements, or assumptions about the definition of partner, then omit partner name/DOB/signature. This can cause incorrect attribution and assessment outcomes because the form and rules consider partner involvement and transfers over the last 5 years. It may also lead to compliance issues if later information shows a partner existed under the social security definition. Use the Services Australia definition of partner, complete partner fields where required, and ensure both signatures are provided at the declaration if applicable.

Many people list only the trustee (Q27) and answer “No” to appointor/control questions (Q29–Q32) because they think control only means being the trustee. The form’s attribution rules consider appointors/guardians, people with veto or deed-change powers, and even informal influence where the trustee is expected to act on someone’s wishes. Under-disclosure can lead to incorrect attribution, later reassessment, and potential overpayment debts. Review the trust deed for appointor/guardian and amendment powers, and disclose anyone who can influence decisions even if they are not formally named as trustee.

Applicants often skip Q34 or provide names without dates/reasons because historical changes are hard to recall or not documented. However, changes in controllers are central to attribution and gifting assessments, and missing dates can prevent correct application of the 5-year gifting rules. This typically results in requests for deeds, minutes, or ASIC records and delays. Use trust deed amendments, trustee resolutions, and company records to provide exact change dates and reasons, and attach a separate sheet if there are more than three changes.

A frequent mistake is answering “No” at Q47 because the person thinks only cash gifts count, or they forget about services provided for free, assets sold below market value, or loans that were waived/written off. The form treats all of these as contributions and they can affect attribution and gifting assessments for up to 5 years (and may influence control findings). Missing these items can lead to reassessment and potential debts if later discovered. Go through bank records, trust accounts, loan ledgers, and property transfer documents to list every non-arm’s-length transfer with dates and market values.

People commonly copy figures from the balance sheet (historical cost or written down value) into asset questions (Q53) and property value questions (Q63), even though the form asks for current market value. This happens because financial statements are the easiest source, but they often understate real values and can materially change payment rates. Incorrect values can trigger valuations, reviews, and backdated adjustments. Use reasonable market estimates (recent sales, appraisals, rate notices) and clearly separate market value from loan balances and accounting book values.

When the trust owns property (Q58), applicants often forget to complete a separate ‘Trust real estate details’ section for each property, omit the council rate/valuation notice, or skip title/area and ownership percentage questions (Q69–Q83). They also frequently fail to attach mortgage/loan agreements and statements showing what assets are held as security (Q84–Q85). These omissions prevent accurate valuation and debt deductions, and can result in the claim being delayed or the asset being assessed conservatively. For each property, attach the rate notice, title deed(s), water rights documents if relevant, and loan/security paperwork, and ensure ownership percentages total 100%.

Applicants often submit the form without the mandatory documents in the checklist (Q98), especially the trust tax return, financial statements, depreciation schedule, and personal tax returns for involved parties. This usually happens because documents are with the accountant or not yet prepared, but the form warns that claims may not be accepted unless supporting documents are lodged at the same time (except limited third-party evidence). Missing documents lead to non-acceptance of the claim or significant processing delays. Use Q98 as a packing list, request documents early from the trust accountant, and if something is unavailable, provide a clear written explanation and any interim statements the form suggests.

A common final-step error is forgetting to sign the declaration (Q100), missing the partner’s signature where applicable, or not completing the trustee signature/second signature for corporate trustees in the property inspection authority (Q90). People also sometimes have an unauthorised person sign (e.g., a beneficiary instead of the trustee) because they assume any family member can sign. Unsigned or improperly signed forms can be treated as incomplete and returned or delayed, and missing inspection authority can affect property valuation and payment decisions. Ensure the correct trustee(s) sign where required, add the second signature for corporate trustees, and date all signatures in the requested format.