Annual and election returns can be lodged through the eReturns portal.

Logging in to eReturns

New eReturns user – annual returns

To use eReturns you will need to obtain a username and password.

The party agent of a registered political party and the financial controller for a significant third party or associated entity will be issued a username and password by the AEC when the entity is registered. If you have any issues with your username and password you must contact the AEC.

The AEC will issue members of the House of Representatives (MPs) and Senators with a username and password. If you have any issues with your username and password you must contact the AEC.

The AEC will issue eReturns credentials (username and password) to identified donors and third parties. However, an annual donor or a third party can create their own eReturns username and password.

New eReturns user – election returns

The AEC will issue candidates and agents with a username and password.

The AEC will issue eReturns credentials (username and password) to identified election donors. However, a donor can create their own eReturns username and password.

Tips on accessing eReturns

• In order to access eReturns you need to provide a valid email address. After the initial sign‑up process, eReturns will send a confirmation email to your nominated address. You will need to locate that email and click on the link it contains before you can lodge your return or log back into eReturns. If you cannot find an email from eReturns, check your junk mail/spam folder.
• The password provided in the obligation letter sent by the AEC is a 'single-use' password only. After your first login, you will need to change your password.
• Passwords are case sensitive, must be at least 8 characters long and have at least one letter and one number.
• For best results, use an up-to-date version of Chrome, Safari or Firefox.

Existing eReturns users

All existing eReturns users should use their current username and password. If you have forgotten your eReturns credentials contact the AEC.

Note: Entities that have registered as a new type of entity, and still have eReturns credentials for their previous account, can only use their old credentials to lodge amendments for previous years returns.

Completing a return

The eReturns portal will provide you with all the information you need to lodge your return online.

Tips on completing a return

The financial disclosure FAQs provide definitions of terminology used in financial disclosure:

• Financial disclosure FAQs

eReturns guidance

• Political Party Quick Reference Guide [PDF 1.2MB]
• Significant Third Party Quick Reference Guide [PDF 1.9MB]
• Associated Entities Quick Reference Guide [PDF 1.5MB]
• MPs and Senators Quick Reference Guide [PDF 1.1MB]
• Donors Quick Reference Guide [PDF 2.6MB]
• Third Parties Incurring Electoral Expenditure Quick Reference Guide [PDF 1.3MB]
• Candidate and Senate Group Quick Reference Guide [PDF 1.10MB]

Amending a return

A request may be made to, or by the AEC, seeking amendment of a return that has been lodged and subsequently found to be incomplete or incorrect. An amendment can be lodged through eReturns.

Contact us

If you need additional information, assistance or to obtain a username and password, please contact the Funding and Disclosure helpdesk.

Email: fad@aec.gov.au

Ph: 02 6271 4552

Further information

• Financial disclosure legislative changes
• Financial disclosure
• Annual returns
• Election returns
• Lodging a paper form