How long does tax return take in Australia? [2026]
Index
How long does a tax return take?
Tax season is upon us again, and you might be wondering, “How long does tax refund take in Australia?”. Generally, a tax refund from the ATO will be deposited to your nominated bank account within two weeks of lodging your tax return. If there are any issues with your lodgement, there may be a delay.
In this article, we will explore:
- How long does tax return take
- How to check the progress of a tax return
- Common reasons for a tax refund delay
- How to pay ATO if you have a tax bill, and
- What you can do if your tax return is delayed.
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When can I do my tax return 2026 Australia?
If you don’t lodge your tax return on time, you could be penalised with a fine of up to $1,650. July 1st, 2026, is the commencement of the new financial year. You can lodge your tax return on this date, however, it’s best to ensure you are tax ready to avoid any delays. This can mean waiting until the end of the month.
Employers have until July 31st to provide all the PAYG details, including salary and super contributions. Once received by the ATO, this information will be available for you to see in your MyGov account and it will be categorised as “tax ready”.
Banks, health funds and government agencies like Centrelink also have until July 31st to provide the ATO with relevant tax related information.
The deadline for lodging your tax return is October 31st, unless you are registered with a tax agent. Tax agents have until May 15th, 2027, to lodge tax returns for clients, but you must be on their list before the end of October.
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When do I get my tax return 2026 Australia?
You may be itching to know the answer to the questions of, “When do I get my tax return?”.
According to the ATO, they will commence full processing of tax returns on the 7th of July, 2026, and aim to start paying refunds from the 16th of July, 2026. The ATO are striving to finalise electronically lodged tax returns for the current year within 12 business days of receipt.
If you’re hoping for an early tax return and are in serious financial hardship, the good news is you can apply to have your tax return processed immediately and can receive it in just a few days.
Usually, an online tax return time frame is about two weeks to be processed and paid. For paper returns, you can expect to wait up to 10 weeks, usually.
Delays can occur in the case that you’ve made a mistake on your lodgement or if something was “red flagged” with the ATO. This will result in your documents being processed manually.
What is the average tax return – Australia?
About 47 per cent of taxpayers expect to receive a tax refund this financial year, which makes getting your taxes done on time a big incentive. According to the ATO, the average Australian tax return amount was roughly $2,680 in the last financial year — a decrease from $2,842 the previous year and down from a recent peak of $3,130 in 2021–22.
The decline is largely due to the removal of the low and middle-income tax offset in mid-2022 and reduced work-from-home deductions as temporary concessions are phased out.
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What is notice of assessment ATO?
You’ll receive a notice of assessment from the ATO once your return has been processed. This document will outline your taxable income for the financial year, as well as the amount of refund you are entitled to or how much extra tax you need to pay.
How to get notice of assessment
Your MyGov notice of assessment will automatically be sent to your MyGov inbox. You will be able to view and print your notice of assessment. If you believe your notice of assessment is wrong, you will need to contact the ATO for help.
How do I check the progress of my tax return?
To check the progress of tax return lodgements, it’s as simple as asking your tax agent, calling the ATO or hopping onto ATO online services. It’s easy to find out if the ATO is in progress processing your return through the MyGov portal, where you can manage tax returns.
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The ins and outs of tax return processing
When does the ATO start processing tax returns? Tax return processing times for the ATO usually range from 2 weeks to 10 weeks post lodgement. Most online returns are processed within 14 days.
How long do tax returns take to process and can I track my tax return? There are multiple stages of tax return processing. When you check your online services for your tax return status, you may encounter one of the following stages as your return moves through processing:
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In Progress: Processing
The ATO has received your return and has started processing it. -
In Progress: Information Pending
The ATO is collecting additional information to complete your return and may contact you for further details. -
In Progress: Under Review
The ATO is manually reviewing your documents. -
In Progress: Balancing Account
The ATO is balancing your tax return results with your account and calculating your refund or any amount you owe. -
In Progress: Processing
If extra processing time is required, the ATO may return to processing after balancing the account. An estimated assessment issue date may be provided at this stage. -
Issued: $ Amount
This is when you will receive your notice of assessment, indicating the final refund or amount owed.
These stages give you insight into the progress of your return and help you track any action required.
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Why do I owe money on my tax return Australia?
It can be confusing to receive a tax bill, but there are several common reasons why you might end up with a tax debt:
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Your employer hasn’t withheld enough tax from your salary payments
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You haven’t kept up with Pay As You Go (PAYG) instalments if you’re a sole trader
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Tax wasn’t withheld from other sources of income, such as investment property or dividends
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Your private health insurance rebate has changed or is too high
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A change in income means you now need to pay the Medicare Levy or Medicare Levy Surcharge
Understanding these factors can help you avoid surprises and manage your tax obligations more effectively.
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ATO – How to pay if you owe money
If you owe money to the ATO, it’s important to make your payment by the deadline, which is November 21st, even if you haven’t filed your return on time. After this date, the ATO will begin charging interest on the outstanding amount.
For payment arrangements or further assistance, visit the ATO website or contact them directly.
ATO payment options
To pay your tax bill, you can use one of the following methods:
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BPAY: Use the biller code and reference number on your notice of assessment.
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Credit Card or Debit Card: Pay via the ATO website or myGov account.
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Bank Transfer: Directly from your bank account using the ATO’s bank details.
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In Person: At an Australia Post outlet (if applicable).
For those struggling to meet the deadline, you can make an ATO credit card payment with BPAY or even by paying in person at Australia Post. Other options include an ATO payment plan, if you can’t make the full payment by the due date.
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Tips to avoid delays in getting your tax refund
To help ensure your tax return is processed smoothly and without unnecessary delays, keep the following tips in mind:
- Wait for Pre-Filled Data: The ATO often receives information from employers, banks, and other institutions by late July. Lodging before this data is available can lead to incomplete returns or the need for amendments.
- Double-Check Your Details: Simple mistakes like entering the wrong bank account number, leaving out income, or claiming incorrect deductions can delay your refund. Take a few extra minutes to review everything carefully.
- Don’t Lodge Too Early: It might be tempting to get your return in as soon as possible, but early lodgement, especially in the first week of July, can mean the ATO hasn’t yet received all relevant data. Waiting until late July or early August reduces the risk of delays.
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What should I do if my tax return is delayed?
Here are some common reasons why your tax return might be delayed:
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You didn’t provide all your income sources
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Unusual deductions were claimed for your industry type
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You have an insolvency account and owe money
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You owe money to child support or other Australian government agencies
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You have an outstanding ATO debt
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The ATO is auditing returns in your industry or with similar deductions
If there has been a delay on your refund status, wait at least 30 days from your tax return lodgement date to enquire with the ATO. The ATO does not take enquiries about delays unless a month has passed.
Your tax agent can get in touch with the ATO on your behalf to follow up on delayed returns and help provide any additional information they may require when finalising the processing.
If you need help ensuring you are tax compliant and to get your refund as soon as possible, seek professional advice from a registered tax agent. They can ensure you claim all your eligible tax deductions to maximise your return from the Australian Taxation Office.
Getting advice and quotes from accountants and tax agents
If you need help with your tax return, speaking to a qualified accountant or registered tax agent can make the process easier and more accurate. They can:
- Help you understand what deductions you’re eligible for
- Ensure your return is lodged correctly and on time
- Identify any potential issues that could delay your refund
- Offer guidance if your financial situation is more complex
To find a trusted professional in your area:
- Visit Yellow Pages online directory
- Search for local accountants and tax agents
- Compare services and request quotes directly
Whether your return is simple or more detailed, getting expert advice can help you avoid errors and potentially improve your tax outcome.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Return and ATO Processing
You may owe money if your employer hasn’t withheld enough tax from your salary, or if you haven’t kept up with Pay As You Go (PAYG) instalments as a sole trader. Other reasons could include uncollected tax from other income sources like investment property or dividends, a change in your private health insurance rebate, or a change in income that now requires you to pay the Medicare Levy or Medicare Levy Surcharge.
To avoid delays, ensure you wait for all pre-filled data from the ATO before lodging your return. Double-check all your details to prevent errors and avoid lodging too early, especially if your income data hasn’t yet been received by the ATO.
If you owe money, make sure to pay by November 21st to avoid interest charges. You can pay through BPAY, credit or debit card on the ATO website, by bank transfer, or in person at Australia Post if applicable.
Common delays include not providing all your income sources, claiming unusual deductions for your industry, having an insolvency account, owing money to child support or other government agencies, or having an outstanding ATO debt. The ATO may also be auditing returns related to your industry or deductions, which can lead to delays.
If you’re unsure about your tax return or want to ensure accuracy, it’s a good idea to consult a qualified tax agent or accountant. They can help with complex returns and ensure everything is lodged correctly. You can easily find local professionals through Yellow Pages.
The ATO typically processes electronically lodged returns within 12 business days. However, if your return requires manual review or additional information, it may take longer. Paper returns can take up to 50 business days to process, so lodging electronically is recommended for a faster turnaround.
Yes, you can track the status of your tax return through your myGov account or the ATO app. These platforms will show you where your return is in the processing cycle and provide any updates, such as if further information is needed or if your return is under review.
If the ATO makes an error when processing your return, they will typically correct it and notify you of the change. If you believe the ATO has made a mistake, you can contact them to request a review or correction. It’s important to keep records of your tax documents and communications with the ATO to support any requests.
If you believe your notice of assessment is incorrect, you can request a reassessment from the ATO. This involves providing any additional information or clarification needed. If you disagree with the assessment, you can lodge an objection within 60 days from the date on your notice. Ensure you have all supporting documentation ready before submitting an objection.
Summary
Tax Return Processing in Australia: A Quick Guide
If you’re lodging your tax return in Australia, it’s essential to understand the process and potential delays. Tax returns can take up to 50 business days to process if filed on paper, so it’s recommended to lodge electronically for faster processing, typically within 12 business days. Common reasons for delays include missing income information, unusual deductions, or outstanding debts with the ATO or other government agencies.
If you owe money, ensure payment is made by November 21st to avoid interest charges. You can track your return’s progress via myGov or the ATO app, which will show statuses such as “In Progress,” “Under Review,” or “Issued.”
For complex returns or if you’re unsure about the process, it’s a good idea to consult a registered tax agent or accountant. They can help ensure accuracy and potentially avoid mistakes that could delay your refund.
Finally, if you owe money but can’t pay by the deadline, you may be eligible for a payment plan. Always ensure your return is accurate and filed on time to avoid penalties and processing delays.
Back to TopFrequently Asked Questions: Tax Return and ATO Processing
Why do I owe money on my tax return?
You may owe money if your employer hasn't withheld enough tax from your salary, or if you haven’t kept up with Pay As You Go (PAYG) instalments as a sole trader. Other reasons could include uncollected tax from other income sources like investment property or dividends, a change in your private health insurance rebate, or a change in income that now requires you to pay the Medicare Levy or Medicare Levy Surcharge.
How can I avoid delays in my tax return?
To avoid delays, ensure you wait for all pre-filled data from the ATO before lodging your return. Double-check all your details to prevent errors and avoid lodging too early, especially if your income data hasn’t yet been received by the ATO.
What should I do if I owe money to the ATO?
If you owe money, make sure to pay by November 21st to avoid interest charges. You can pay through BPAY, credit or debit card on the ATO website, by bank transfer, or in person at Australia Post if applicable.
What are the common reasons for a delay in processing my tax return?
Common delays include not providing all your income sources, claiming unusual deductions for your industry, having an insolvency account, owing money to child support or other government agencies, or having an outstanding ATO debt. The ATO may also be auditing returns related to your industry or deductions, which can lead to delays.
When should I contact a tax agent or accountant?
If you're unsure about your tax return or want to ensure accuracy, it’s a good idea to consult a qualified tax agent or accountant. They can help with complex returns and ensure everything is lodged correctly. You can easily find local professionals through Yellow Pages.
How long will it take for my tax return to be processed?
The ATO typically processes electronically lodged returns within 12 business days. However, if your return requires manual review or additional information, it may take longer. Paper returns can take up to 50 business days to process, so lodging electronically is recommended for a faster turnaround.
Can I track the progress of my tax return?
Yes, you can track the status of your tax return through your myGov account or the ATO app. These platforms will show you where your return is in the processing cycle and provide any updates, such as if further information is needed or if your return is under review.
What happens if the ATO makes an error on my tax return?
If the ATO makes an error when processing your return, they will typically correct it and notify you of the change. If you believe the ATO has made a mistake, you can contact them to request a review or correction. It’s important to keep records of your tax documents and communications with the ATO to support any requests.
What should I do if I receive a notice of assessment that seems incorrect?
If you believe your notice of assessment is incorrect, you can request a reassessment from the ATO. This involves providing any additional information or clarification needed. If you disagree with the assessment, you can lodge an objection within 60 days from the date on your notice. Ensure you have all supporting documentation ready before submitting an objection.