Got an AUSTRAC notice? Here's what to do before your deadline
Since 28 August 2026, AUSTRAC has been sending notices to businesses that appear to provide Tranche 2 services but haven't enrolled. Some give as little as 14 days to respond. Whether it arrived as a letter or an email, don't ignore it. Work out whether you're covered, then respond by the date on the notice.
General information, not legal advice. If you're unsure, or your deadline is close, speak to a lawyer.
What the notice means
What it is
A formal notice or letter from AUSTRAC, usually under section 167 of the AML/CTF Act, that requires you to give AUSTRAC information or documents by a set date. The notice says exactly what it wants.
Why you got it
AUSTRAC thinks you may provide a Tranche 2 “designated service”, such as setting up companies or trusts or helping with property sales, but you haven’t enrolled.
If you ignore it
Not complying with a notice can lead to criminal and civil penalties, and giving false or misleading information is treated more seriously still.
Your plan, step by step
- 1Read the notice and note the deadlineDay 1
Write down the response date and exactly what AUSTRAC is asking for. Keep the notice with your records.
- 2Work out whether you’re coveredDays 1–2
Tranche 2 is triggered by the services you provide, not your job title. Tax returns alone don’t count; setting up companies or trusts does. Use the 2-minute scope check.
- 3If you’re covered, enrol on AUSTRAC OnlineDays 2–3
Enrolment is done online through AUSTRAC Online. It was due within 28 days of first providing a covered service, so do it now.
- 4Appoint a compliance officerDay 3
In a sole practice this can be you. Tell AUSTRAC who it is.
- 5Put your program in placeDays 3–10
Start from AUSTRAC’s starter kit for your profession: a risk assessment and policies, tailored to your firm and approved.
- 6Start checking clientsFrom day 5
Verify identity, find beneficial owners, and screen for sanctions and PEPs before you provide a covered service. Keep the evidence.
- 7Respond to AUSTRAC on timeBy the deadline
Answer what the notice asks, accurately. If you’re not covered, explain why. Keep a copy. Get legal advice if you’re unsure.
General information, not legal advice. If you're unsure, or your deadline is close, speak to a lawyer.
Get AUSTRAC-ready this week
ScreenlyyID turns the AUSTRAC starter kit into a working program and checks clients for you, so you can show AUSTRAC what you've done.
- Program built from AUSTRAC’s starter kit for your profession, ready in an afternoon
- Client checks by link: ID, beneficial owners, sanctions and PEPs
- A dated evidence pack for every client file
- A setup call for founding firms, so you’re running this week
ScreenlyyID helps you meet your obligations; responsibility for compliance stays with your business.
Free notice response kit
A one-page checklist for the steps on this page, plus a template to record whether you're covered and why. Keep both with your records.
Questions
Should I get a lawyer?
If the notice asks for anything you’re unsure how to answer, or your deadline is close, yes. This page is general information, not legal advice.
I’m not covered. Do I still respond?
Yes. Respond by the deadline with the information the notice asks for, and explain why your services aren’t covered. Keep a dated record of how you decided.
If I enrol, am I compliant?
No. Enrolment is the first step. You also need a compliance officer, a risk assessment and policies, client checks, staff training, reporting and records.
How do I enrol?
Enrol online through AUSTRAC Online, then complete the enrolment form for your business. The main effort for most firms is setting up the program and client checks that come after it.
Can ScreenlyyID respond to AUSTRAC for me?
No. The response comes from your business. We help you put the program and client checks in place, so you can show what you’ve done.
Sources
Last checked:
Check the notice you received and AUSTRAC's pages for your own deadline.