NCAT Online Services for Respondents: Portal Guide
NCAT Online Services is the portal for managing Consumer and Commercial Division cases — filing forms, uploading evidence, tracking hearing dates, and paying fees. As a respondent, you did not start the proceedings, but you still need to use this portal to manage your side.
Step 1: Create an Account
Go to the NCAT Online Services portal and register a personal account. You need a valid email address and a password. This account is tied to you as an individual.
If you are responding on behalf of a company (Pty Ltd, partnership, or incorporated association), you also need to register an eOrganisation and nominate an Authorised Officer. The eOrganisation is linked to the company's ACN or ABN. Delegates can be added if administrative staff will manage filings.
Step 2: Link Your Existing Case
You did not file the application, so the case will not appear in your dashboard automatically. To link it:
- Find the NCAT file number on your Notice of Hearing (format: CC YY/XXXXX)
- Locate the document barcode printed on the physical Notice of Hearing
- Enter both in the portal's "Link Existing Case" function
Without the barcode, the system will not let you link the case. If your notice was served by email and you cannot find a barcode, contact the NCAT registry at 1300 006 228 for assistance.
Step 3: Upload Evidence
Once the case is linked, use the Submissions and Evidence module to upload your evidence bundle. This is the correct way to file evidence digitally — do not email evidence to the registry, as NCAT does not accept email submissions unless specifically directed by a member.
Upload your documents as a single indexed PDF or a series of clearly labelled files. Follow any formatting directions from the tribunal (page numbering, tabs, chronological order). The upload counts as filing with the registry, but you must also serve a copy on the applicant separately.
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Step 4: File Forms and Requests
Through the portal you can also:
- Submit an adjournment request
- File a counter-application
- Request telephone or video attendance
- Pay filing fees for counter-applications, set-aside applications, or summonses
Each form has its own section in the portal. Fee payments are processed online.
NCAT Online Services vs. NSW Online Registry
These are two completely different portals, and respondents regularly use the wrong one:
| Portal | Used For | Case Types |
|---|---|---|
| NCAT Online Services | NCAT Consumer and Commercial Division | Consumer claims, retail leases, strata |
| NSW Online Registry | Local Court, District Court, Supreme Court | Debt recovery, personal injury, contract |
If your matter is in the Local Court (you received a Statement of Claim, not a Notice of Hearing), you need the NSW Online Registry, not NCAT Online Services. Filing on the wrong portal means your documents go nowhere — and you miss your deadline.
Common Portal Issues
Cannot find the case. Double-check the file number and barcode. If you still cannot link it, contact the NCAT registry.
Upload rejected. Check NCAT's current portal instructions for accepted file types and size limits, or contact the registry for help.
Fee payment failed. The portal accepts credit and debit cards. If payment fails, you can still lodge forms in person at an NCAT registry and pay at the counter.
The Responding to an NCAT Consumer Claim guide walks through every portal step with screenshots and filing checklists.
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