When will I get my tax back?

If you're eligible for a tax refund this year, you should get it within 2 weeks after successfully lodging your tax return online, unless there's an issue with your return.

If there's some incorrect information in your return, or the ATO are reviewing some deductions you've claimed, it could take longer to get your money back. Paper returns may take up to 10 weeks to be processed.

When you should get your tax refund

How long will you have to wait for your tax refund to be paid? That depends on how you file your return:

• Electronic returns are normally processed within 2 weeks
• Paper returns are processed manually within 10 weeks

However, if you’re likely to experience serious financial hardship as a result of this processing time, you can apply to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to request priority processing of your return.

If you’ve made a mistake on your return and need to update it, the quickest way to do so is using ATO online services via myGov. Online amendments are usually processed within 12 business days, while paper amendments can take up to 10 weeks to process.

Alternatively, if a registered tax agent lodged your return, that agent can also amend any mistakes.

Once your return has been processed, the ATO will issue a notice of assessment that explains whether you are entitled to a refund or whether you have a tax debt to pay. If you’ve linked your ATO account to your myGov account, this notice of assessment will be sent to your myGov inbox.

If you're owed a tax refund, the money will then be sent to your bank account but may take a day or so to arrive, depending on your bank.

How long does it take to complete a tax return?

This will vary depending on the complexity of your tax situation.

From your sources of income to the deductions you claim, whether you have private health insurance cover, your marital status and even your tax returns from prior years, there are many variables that can reduce or increase the time it takes you to finish and lodge a return.

There are also several ways you can lodge a return:

• Online. This is the quickest and easiest way for most people to file a return.
• Paper. You can complete a paper tax return form and send it to the ATO.
• Through an agent. If you need help compiling your tax return, you can lodge it through a registered tax agent.

However, there are some situations and circumstances which can increase the total time needed to complete your tax return. These include:

• If you earn income from multiple sources
• If you’re not a full-time employee, or if you’re self-employed
• If you have a large number of deductions to claim

Issues that may delay your tax refund

In some circumstances, your tax return may take longer to process than the timeframes listed above. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as:

• If you have also recently lodged tax returns for prior years
• If there are incorrect or incomplete details in your return
• If you lodge duplicate returns for the same year
• You currently owe a debt to the ATO
• You are under an Insolvency administration, for example you have declared bankruptcy or entered into a debt arrangement
• The ATO needs to confirm details with other government agencies, such as Centrelink, Child Support or the Family Assistance Office
• The ATO needs to verify some of the information you have provided, such as your spouse’s details or your private health insurance details, or cross-check the information you provided in your return with data from its own systems

If the ATO requires any further information to process your return, you will be contacted with a request for the necessary details.

How to check the progress of your tax return

If you’d like to check up on the progress of your tax return, there are three quick and easy ways to do so:

• By using the ATO mobile app. The app features a search tool that allows you to enter your Tax File Number (TFN) to check on the progress of your latest tax return for the current financial year.
• By using the ATO’s online “Progress of return” enquiry tool. You can also conduct a quick search online by entering your TFN.
• By phone. You can use the ATO’s self-help phone service to access information on tax returns for the most recent financial year. Simply phone 13 28 61, choose option 2 and then option 1, and enter your TFN.
• By logging into ATO online services via myGov. This allows you to do a complete search to check the progress of your current return, as well as view your lodgment history for prior financial years.

When you check the real-time progress of your return via myGov you may be shown the status updates outlined in the table below:

How long does it take to get your refund through an accountant vs filing an online tax return

Using an accountant or registered tax agent to file your return won’t see you get a refund any quicker than if you do your own tax online through the ATO’s MyTax service. The same processing times listed above apply, regardless of whether you get a professional to help or you DIY.

However, this isn’t to say there aren’t several benefits to using a tax agent or an accountant to lodge your return. Their expert knowledge can help you claim all the deductions possible and get the biggest refund you’re entitled to, plus they can also offer assistance if you become subject to an audit. And if you have complex income or anything else that’s likely to result in a complicated return, getting professional help can help you navigate what can be a confusing and intimidating process.

Where your tax refund will be deposited

Your tax return will be deposited into your nominated bank account. Simply make sure to provide your bank account details when you file your return, and any refund you’re entitled to will be paid directly into your account.

Already done your tax return?

Here are a few different things you can do with your tax return to make the money work harder for you.

1. Open a high interest savings account. Instead of leaving the money in a bank account that pays no interest, you can earn interest on your tax refund by opening a savings account.
2. Invest in the share market. If you're comfortable taking on a bit more risk, your money can potentially earn a higher return with shares or Index funds (particularly if you invest for the long term!).
3. Open a term deposit. A term deposit is a type of savings account that offers interest on your money. However, unlike a savings account, a term deposit locks your money away for a certain amount of time (often between 12 months to a few years) so you can't spend it on impulse purchases.