How long does a Revenue NSW review take?

Revenue NSW asks you to allow up to 42 days (about 6 weeks) from when they receive your internal review request. It can occasionally take longer. There's no fee for the review.

Is my fine on hold during the review?

Yes. While the internal review is open, enforcement and payment are paused - you don't pay until Revenue NSW makes its decision.

What can the review decide?

One of three outcomes: the notice is withdrawn, a caution is issued instead of the fine, or the fine is confirmed. The decision comes to you in writing. No one can promise a particular result.

What if the review is unsuccessful?

If the fine is confirmed and you still disagree, you can elect to have the matter heard by a court. That's a separate, more serious path with its own process and risks - it's not the same as the free internal review.

How long does a Revenue NSW fine review take?

Published 2026-06-26 · 5 min read

TL;DR

Allow up to 42 days (about 6 weeks) from when Revenue NSW receives your internal review request - sometimes longer. While the review is open, enforcement and payment are paused. The decision: notice withdrawn, a caution, or the fine confirmed. If it's unsuccessful you can still elect to have it heard by a court.

If your fine looks like this:

You've asked Revenue NSW to review a NSW fine (or you're about to) and you're wondering how long the wait is and whether you still have to pay in the meantime. This explains the Revenue NSW review process and what happens to your fine while the clock runs.

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Step-by-step

You lodge the review request
You submit the internal review through Service NSW with your notice number and your reasons. The 'up to 42 days' clock starts from when Revenue NSW receives the request, not from the offence date. unbook drafts the letter for you to sign and lodge - we don't lodge it for you.
Your fine goes on hold
While the review is open, enforcement and payment are paused. You don't pay, and no further enforcement steps run, until Revenue NSW makes its decision. Keep any acknowledgement they send you.
Revenue NSW reviews it
How long an internal review takes in NSW: allow up to 42 days (about 6 weeks) from when they receive it. It can occasionally take longer if the matter is complex or they ask for more information.
You get a decision in writing
Three possible outcomes: the notice is withdrawn, a caution is issued instead of the fine, or the fine is confirmed. The decision arrives in writing - hold onto it.
Decide your next step
If it's withdrawn or you get a caution, you're done. If the fine is confirmed and you still disagree, you can elect to have the matter heard by a court - a separate, more serious path with its own process and risks.

Primary sources

Common questions

How long does a Revenue NSW review take?: Revenue NSW asks you to allow up to 42 days (about 6 weeks) from when they receive your internal review request. It can occasionally take longer. There's no fee for the review.
Is my fine on hold during the review?: Yes. While the internal review is open, enforcement and payment are paused - you don't pay until Revenue NSW makes its decision.
What can the review decide?: One of three outcomes: the notice is withdrawn, a caution is issued instead of the fine, or the fine is confirmed. The decision comes to you in writing. No one can promise a particular result.
What if the review is unsuccessful?: If the fine is confirmed and you still disagree, you can elect to have the matter heard by a court. That's a separate, more serious path with its own process and risks - it's not the same as the free internal review.

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