NTCAT Forms Download and Information Sheets

If you have been served with a small claim at NTCAT and you are trying to find the right form, the search can be frustrating. The tribunal's website organises forms by number rather than by what you are trying to do, and the information sheets that explain each step are scattered across multiple pages. Here is a plain-English map of every form and information sheet a respondent is likely to need.

Core NTCAT Forms

All official forms are available free of charge from the NTCAT website (ntcat.nt.gov.au) under the Forms section, in both PDF and Word format.

Form 1 — Initiating Application. This is the form used to start a proceeding. As a respondent, you do not file this form (unless you lodge a separate counterclaim). You received a sealed copy of the applicant's Form 1 when you were served.

Form 2 — Response. This is your primary filing document. It is where you set out whether you admit, partially admit, or dispute the claim, and where you include any counterclaim arising from the same transaction. Filing a Form 2 Response attracts no fee.

Form 3 — Ordinary Application. The multi-purpose application form for applications other than starting a case or responding to one. You use it to request an adjournment, ask for permission to appear by phone or video, apply for a time extension, request leave for legal representation, apply to reopen proceedings under section 80, set aside a default decision under section 101B, or apply for a stay of enforcement. No fee is required for a request to reopen or set aside a default decision. An internal review under section 140 is a separate application made on Form 1 and costs A$454.

Form 4 — Application for Evidence Summons. Use this form to ask NTCAT to issue an evidence summons. Attach a draft Form 5 Evidence Summons to the application.

Interstate service form — Notice to Interstate Respondent (also numbered Form 4). Required when serving papers on a party in another state or territory, under the Service and Execution of Process Act 1992 (Cth). This is separate from the NTCAT Form 4 Application for Evidence Summons.

Form 5 — Evidence Summons. The draft summons you attach to a Form 4 Application for Evidence Summons. If approved, NTCAT issues the completed Form 5, which must be served on the person or entity summoned.

Form 6 — Unattested Declaration. The standard form for witness statements and for proving service. Non-party witnesses provide their evidence-in-chief in a Form 6. You also use a Form 6 to file proof of service after serving documents on the other party.

Form 7 — Unattested Declaration (Default Decision). Filed by the applicant (not the respondent) when seeking a default decision under section 101A because the respondent did not file a Form 2 Response required by the standard orders. If you are the respondent and you see this form mentioned, it means the applicant is trying to get orders against you without a hearing.

Form 8 — Request for Fee Waiver or Fee Reduction. If you are filing an application that carries a fee and you are experiencing financial hardship, Form 8 lets you request a waiver or reduction with supporting documentation (income statements, bank records, concession card details).

NTCAT Information Sheets

The tribunal publishes information sheets (prefixed "IS") that explain specific procedural topics. The most relevant for respondents:

• IS 4.0 — Service Guidelines. How to serve documents for NTCAT proceedings — acceptable methods (personal, postal, electronic), calculation rules for deemed service dates, and what proof of service is required.
• IS 7.1 — Challenging an NTCAT Decision. The options after a decision is made — clerical correction (section 79), reopening proceedings (section 80), setting aside a default decision (section 101B), internal review (section 140), and Supreme Court appeals.
• Guide to Completing a Form 2 Response. A step-by-step walkthrough of each part of the Form 2, including what to write in Part C and the important instruction not to attach evidence at this stage.

These documents are all available on the NTCAT website at no cost. They are the authoritative source for tribunal procedure.

Where to File

Completed forms can be filed by:

• Email: [email protected] (PDF attachments)
• Post: PO Box 41860, Casuarina NT 0810 or PO Box 1745, Alice Springs NT 0870
• In person: Casuarina Registry (Level 1, The Met Building, 13-17 Scaturchio Street, Casuarina NT 0811) or Alice Springs Registry (Westpoint Building, 1 Stott Terrace) during office hours (8:45 AM – 4:00 PM ACST)

Filing is complete only when NTCAT formally accepts the document. Retain your email transmission receipt, postal tracking record, or stamped physical copy as proof of filing.

For a structured workflow that walks you through the entire respondent process — deciding which forms you need, filling them in correctly and meeting your deadlines — the NTCAT Response Guide brings everything into one place.

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