Returns

Overview

The Returns page allows you to export a complete election return package containing the documents required for submission to the Returning Officer.

AgentAid collects the financial information recorded for the selected election and compiles it into a structured export package.

This package contains the official return document, supporting receipts and required declaration forms.

All files are organised so they can be easily printed and submitted.

AgentAid prepares the return package but does not submit it to the Returning Officer. The completed documents must still be printed, signed and submitted manually.

Exporting an Election Return

To export the return package for an election:

1. Navigate to the Dashboard/Home page.
2. Make sure the correct election is selected.
3. Click Download Returns.
4. The system will prepare the files in the background.
5. Once ready, the package will be available to download on the Download page.

The downloaded file will contain all documents required for the election return.

What’s Included in the Export

The export package contains several documents generated from the data recorded in AgentAid.

These files provide both the official return documentation and the supporting evidence required for submission.

Return PDF

The Return of Candidate Election Expenses is generated automatically from your recorded campaign data.

This document includes:

• Candidate and election information
• Total campaign spending
• Expense category summaries
• Donation totals
• Personal expense summaries where applicable

The information contained in this document is generated directly from the financial data recorded in AgentAid.

Receipts Bundle

AgentAid combines all uploaded receipts and invoices into a single PDF document.

This file contains:

• All uploaded expense receipts
• Supporting invoices
• Documents ordered automatically for printing

This makes it easier to submit supporting evidence alongside the election return.

Declaration Forms

The export package also includes the required declaration forms.

These documents must be printed and signed before submission.

• Candidate Declaration – confirms that the return is accurate and complete.
• Agent Declaration – confirms the election agent has prepared the return correctly.

Both declarations must be signed after the return has been prepared.

Metadata and Audit Files

The export package also includes a metadata folder used for verification and record keeping.

These files provide an audit trail showing when and how the export was generated.

Files included:

• metadata/election.json – contains export metadata such as the election ID, export timestamp and package version.
• metadata/audit.xlsx – provides a record of the export including job ID, system environment and generation time.

These files are intended for auditing and do not need to be submitted to the Returning Officer.

After Downloading the Export

Once the export package has been downloaded:

1. Extract the downloaded archive file.
2. Print the Return PDF.
3. Print the Receipts document.
4. Print the Candidate Declaration.
5. Print the Agent Declaration.
6. Sign the declaration forms where required.
7. Submit the documents to the Returning Officer before the statutory deadline.

Export Package Structure

A typical export package contains the following files:

      //Documentation - To be Submitted//
      return.pdf
      receipts.pdf
      candidate_declaration.pdf
      agent_declaration.pdf
      
      //Helpful Info - Not to be Submitted//
      README.txt
      metadata/
        election.json
        audit.xlsx
      

Export Package Security

Each export package generated by AgentAid includes integrity metadata used to verify that the package has not been modified.

The export system records information including:

• Export timestamp
• System version used for generation
• Export job identifier

This information creates an audit trail for generated returns and helps confirm the authenticity of exported files.

For more information about platform security, refer to the Security Overview documentation.