Departure Prohibition Order (DPO): Can the ATO Stop You Leaving Australia?
Yes – if you have an unpaid tax debt, the tax office can issue a departure prohibition order that stops you leaving the country. If you have a DPO, or you’re worried about one before travelling, UV TAX can help you deal with the debt and work towards having it lifted.
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✈️ Planning to travel or move overseas with a tax debt? Sort it out before you book. Leaving Australia in breach of a DPO is an offence. Call 0466 268 405.
What is a departure prohibition order?
- One of the firmer actions the tax office can take when someone has an unpaid tax debt
- It prevents you from leaving Australia while it is in force
- It stays in place until the debt is paid, a satisfactory arrangement is made, or it is revoked or set aside
- It is not a penalty – it is used to make sure tax debts are dealt with before a person leaves
When can the tax office issue a DPO?
The tax office may issue a DPO if you have an outstanding tax liability and it believes the order is desirable to ensure the debt is paid or properly addressed before you leave. It looks at your circumstances – including how you have engaged with them and what steps you have taken to deal with the debt.
Not engaging with the tax office, large unpaid debts, and signs that someone may leave the country are the kinds of situations where a DPO becomes more likely.
What happens once a DPO is issued?
You can’t leave
You must not leave Australia while the DPO is in force.
Border alert
Border authorities are notified – you can be stopped at the airport.
Serious offence
Leaving in breach of a DPO can lead to penalties or imprisonment.
Stays until lifted
The DPO remains until revoked by the tax office or set aside by a court.
How to get a DPO lifted
1. Pay in full
The quickest and most effective way – the tax office then revokes the DPO as soon as practicable.
2. Satisfactory arrangement
If you can’t pay in full, discuss an arrangement – for example, one supported by security over assets.
3. Apply to revoke
Formally apply with your grounds, supporting documents and any other relevant information.
4. Review
If refused, you may seek external review or ask a court to set the DPO aside.
Need to travel? Departure authorisation certificates
If your DPO is still in force and you need to travel overseas temporarily – for example, for a family emergency – you can apply for a departure authorisation certificate (DAC).
- Granted only in limited circumstances
- May include conditions (such as security)
- Allows travel for a limited period only
- Does not cancel the DPO – it stays in force when you return
DPOs and company directors
Directors can become personally liable for some company debts through director penalty notices. Unpaid personal liabilities can then lead to firmer action – so directors with a DPN should act quickly.
How UV TAX helps
- Review your tax debt and confirm what is owed
- Lodge outstanding tax returns and BAS – often reducing estimated debts
- Negotiate payment arrangements with the tax office as your registered tax agent
- Help prepare an application to revoke a DPO or for a departure authorisation certificate
- Work with your lawyer if review or court action is needed
- Plan ahead if you are moving overseas – see tax residency
⚠️ Important – general information only. This page is a simple overview of departure prohibition orders as at November 2026 and is not legal or tax advice. Whether a DPO is issued, revoked or a departure authorisation certificate is granted is decided by the tax office or the courts – UV TAX cannot guarantee any outcome or that you will be able to travel. If you have a DPO, do not attempt to leave Australia without proper authorisation. Review and court action involve legal processes – please obtain legal advice from a lawyer.
Worried about a DPO? Talk to us today
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0466 268 405Frequently asked questions
What is a departure prohibition order (DPO)?
A DPO is an order from the tax office that stops a person with an unpaid tax debt from leaving Australia. It is not a penalty – it is used to make sure the debt is dealt with before the person leaves.
Can the ATO stop me leaving Australia?
Yes. If you have an outstanding tax liability and the tax office believes it is desirable to make sure it is paid before you leave, it can issue a DPO. Border authorities are notified and you can be stopped at the airport.
What happens if I leave Australia with a DPO?
Leaving Australia in breach of a DPO is an offence under tax law and can lead to serious consequences, including penalties or imprisonment.
How do I get a DPO lifted?
The quickest way is to pay the tax debt in full. If you can’t, you can discuss a satisfactory arrangement – for example, one supported by security over assets – or formally apply for the DPO to be revoked with supporting information.
Can I travel overseas while I have a DPO?
You can apply for a departure authorisation certificate (DAC). It is only granted in limited circumstances, may have conditions, and allows travel for a limited period only. It doesn’t cancel the DPO.
Can I challenge a DPO?
Yes. If you are not satisfied with a decision to issue or keep a DPO in place, you may seek an external review or apply to a court to set it aside.
How do I avoid getting a DPO?
Engage early. Lodge your returns, respond to the tax office, and set up a payment plan for any tax debt – especially before planning overseas travel or moving overseas.
Related
General information current as at November 2026.