Supporting evidence and record keeping requirements
Supporting evidence
There are four categories of POI documents to be met. For a complete list of acceptable documents refer to the First Home Benefits – Proof of Identity Documents factsheet.
Each eligible purchaser and their spouse must provide a document from each of the four categories (ie four documents per person).
For example:
| Document | Category |
|---|---|
Birth certificate | 1 - Evidence of Australian Citizenship or permanent residency |
Drivers licence / Passport | 2 - Link between identity and person (photo & signature) |
Medicare card | 3 - Evidence that the person operates in the community |
Current utilities bill | 4 - Evidence of the persons current residential address |
Note: If clients are unable to provide a document from each of the four categories, please contact OSR to discuss their circumstances.
Record keeping requirements
Legal representatives
Original POI documents must be sighted, and a certified copy retained, by legal representatives (solicitors/conveyancers) when processing new FHP application forms presented to them by clients.
If lodging documents with OSR by mail or at a counter, a certified copy of the POI documents will be acceptable.
A definition of certified copy is provided in the FHP Application Form and Lodgement Guide.
Electronic Duties Returns (EDR)
Legal representatives processing FHP applications through EDR, where the POI requirements have been met, must retain a certified copy of the original POI documents presented by clients. These documents will be required for audit purposes.
Settlement rooms and law stationer/agents
Legal representatives who present a new FHP application form to an OSR approved settlement room or law stationer/agent for processing, must provide a certified copy of the original POI documents presented by clients.
Settlement rooms and law stationer/agents will be required to retain a copy of the POI documents presented if a FHP transaction processed through EDR is selected by the random online audit process. These documents will be required for audit purposes.
