A Change at Revenue NSW That NSW Licensees Need to Know About

If your venue has ever had an outstanding gaming machine tax balance, or ever ends up with one, there's a change from Revenue NSW you need to know about.

What's changed

Revenue NSW has confirmed it will now only discuss outstanding gaming machine tax liabilities with the current licensee of the premises. Requests from staff, bookkeepers, or accountant representatives are no longer accepted.

On top of that, from 1 September 2026, any request for an instalment plan on outstanding gaming machine tax has to be a written request sent to taxdebt@revenue.nsw.gov.au, and it has to come from the licensee. Plans are capped at a four week term, with the first payment due on the 21st of the month (or the next business day if that falls on a weekend or public holiday).

Why it matters

For most venues this is a non-event, tax gets paid on time and nobody ever needs to ring Revenue NSW about a debt. But if your venue does fall behind, or you've relied on your bookkeeper or accountant to sort out a payment plan on your behalf in the past, that's no longer an option. The licensee has to make contact directly, in writing, and needs to be the one managing that conversation from here.

This is worth flagging to whoever holds the licence at your venue, not just the person who handles the books, since it's the licensee Revenue NSW will be dealing with.

What we can still do

We can keep an eye on your gaming tax position, flag it early if a balance is building up, and help you put together what you need before you contact Revenue NSW. What we can't do anymore is make that contact or negotiate a plan on your behalf, that has to come from the licensee. If you do need to get in touch, Revenue NSW's Tax Debt Team can be reached on 1300 368 710.

Not sure where you stand?

If you're not sure whether this affects your venue, or want a hand getting your position sorted before you contact Revenue NSW, get in touch with us.

This is general information based on the NSW Government's August 2026 newsletter, not advice on your specific circumstances. For anything specific to your venue, contact Revenue NSW directly or reach out to us.

Source: NSW Government (Liquor & Gaming NSW), Hospitality and Racing Newsletter, August 2026.