Each year, NSW landholders who are liable to pay rates or have a property identification code (PIC) are required to submit an annual return of land and stock to Local Land Services.

Even if you have no stock, your return provides us with important information on land use and livestock across the state.

The information you provide is invaluable and allows us to:

• quickly and accurately respond to emergency or biosecurity events
• protect our primary industries from pest and diseases
• help keep markets open.

Annual returns are essentially a 'farm Census' and need to be lodged with Local Land Services no later than 31 August each year.

Which stock do I count?

We require all landholdings that carry livestock six months or older to record numbers at 30 June and let us know, regardless of whether they:

• belong to the occupier
• are agisted on your land
• are on the property under another arrangement.

Please note that pigs of any age should be counted, as well as flocks of 100 or more poultry.

How do I lodge my return?

There are two ways you can lodge your annual return of land and stock.

Lodge online

The simplest and quickest way to lodge your return is to lodge through our annual land and stock return portal.

The online form asks the same questions as the paper form and takes only a few minutes to complete. To fill in the form, you must:

• Look up your holding reference number and unique online password on the top right corner of the form Local Land Services mailed to you.
• Log into the online portal and enter your information.

Please note that forms that have the wording Reprint on the top of them can not be lodged online, but must be posted to the address on the return or returned to your Local Land Services office.

Lodge via mail

Alternatively, you can mail your completed annual return of land and stock to:

Local Land Services
Locked Bag 6013
Orange NSW 2800

Sending in your return information

Please note that the due date for the annual return of land and stock each year is 31 August.

It’s a legal requirement for you to complete the annual return of land and stock, even if you don’t have stock.

By not lodging your return, you’re liable for an animal health rate and meat industry levy which will be added to your annual rates notice.

If you have any questions about the annual land and stock return, or you’d like to change your details, contact your regional Local Land Services office. Or, alternatively, download the change of details form and return it to your nearest office.

You can also visit our frequently asked questions to find out more.

How to change your details

To change your details, simply contact your nearest Local Land Services office or download the change of details form and return it to your nearest office.