Once you have lodged your tax return, the waiting game begins. So, how long does tax return take from lodgement to refund? For Australian taxpayers, most online tax returns are processed within about two weeks, while paper returns can take up to around 10 weeks. If you have already lodged or are getting ready to lodge, knowing that timeframe helps you set realistic refund expectations, understand the ATO status stages, spot common causes of delays, track your return’s progress, and avoid issues that can slow down a smooth lodgement.
How long is the tax return processing time?
The tax return processing time depends mostly on how you lodged:
- Online (myTax or via a registered tax agent): most online returns are processed within about two weeks. Some are significantly faster, with a tax refund landing within days rather than weeks when you use an experienced tax accountant in Sydney.
- Paper return: a stark contrast. Paper returns take up to around 10 weeks from the date the Australian Taxation Office receives them, sometimes longer at peak tax time.
Once your tax return is processed, the ATO issues your notice of assessment to your myGov inbox, and any final refund is usually paid into your nominated bank account within a few business days.
The ATO status stages explained
When you check your return’s progress, the status moves through set stages in the ATO’s system:
Why is my tax return taking so long?
If your tax return is sitting beyond the usual processing times, one of several factors is usually the reason:
- You lodged early. Returns lodged in the first couple of weeks of July can take longer, and July to October is the peak tax-lodgment season, while the ATO matches employer reported income and pre filled information from banks, health funds and super funds. Waiting until your income statement is marked “tax ready” avoids this.
- Your details don’t match. If figures on your return differ from what is in the ATO’s system, it may pause for a double check or manual review against data from employers, health funds and financial institutions.
- You have a debt. An existing debt with the ATO, or outstanding debts to Centrelink, child support or another government agency, can hold up or reduce the final refund at the balancing account stage.
- The ATO is reviewing your return. Larger or unusual deductions can trigger a review by an ATO officer.
- Your bank details are out of date. Taxpayers should verify their bank account details, because an incorrect account number or BSB can delay the refund payment even after the return is processed.
- It’s your first return, or your first in a while. These sometimes take extra identity verification against your tax file number.
How to check your tax return status
You can check your refund status in real time in a few ways:
- ATO online services via myGov: log in to your myGov account with the ATO among your linked services, then go to Tax > Lodgements > Income tax to see the status of your return.
- The ATO app: check the processing stage on your phone.
- Through your registered tax agent: if you lodged with an agent, they can see the status in the ATO’s system and follow up for you, especially when they provide comprehensive client-focused tax services.
What happens after you lodge
For most returns lodged online, the journey is short: the automated systems process the data, the return moves to balancing account, the notice of assessment is issued, and the tax refund arrives a few business days later. Most tax returns never see a human.
A smaller share get pulled aside for information pending or a manual review, which can cause processing delays and mean those returns take even weeks longer. In some cases this can escalate into a full ATO audit, where specialist tax audit support services are invaluable. Keeping realistic expectations helps: two weeks is the norm for online lodgments, and calling before then achieves nothing, because the return simply has not been processed yet.
When should you follow up with the ATO?
Wait until the standard timeframe has passed before chasing it: about two weeks for online returns and up to 10 weeks for paper returns. If it is taking longer and the status has not moved, contact the ATO or ask your tax agent to check. A firm that offers comprehensive accounting and business advisory services can often see the reason for the hold-up faster than a phone queue can.
How to get a fast refund
- Lodge your tax return online rather than on paper, and lodge early in July or August if your information is ready.
- Wait until your income statement is “tax ready” and your pre filled information has loaded (usually late July) before you lodge.
- Double check your bank details, account number and personal information before you submit to help get your refund faster.
- Make sure your deductions are accurate and supported by records, so your tax refund does not get held up by a review, and consider proactive tax planning strategies for businesses to minimise future tax and avoid surprises.
- Lodge with a registered tax agent, who can make sure it is right the first time, help avoid processing delays, and track the refund for you so you can refund faster, especially if they also provide broader accounting and business registration services.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a tax return take in Australia?
Most returns lodged online, including through a registered tax agent, are processed within 14 days, while paper returns can take up to around 10 weeks. Refunds usually arrive within a few business days of the notice of assessment being issued.
Does lodging with a tax agent take longer?
No. Returns lodged online through a registered tax agent sit in the same processing times as if you lodge your own tax return through myTax, usually around two weeks, and an agent can make sure your tax return is accurate so it is less likely to be delayed, particularly when you work with experienced accountants in Baulkham Hills.
Why is my tax refund taking longer than two weeks?
Common causes include lodging very early before pre filled information is ready, details that don’t match the ATO’s records, an existing tax debt or Centrelink or child support obligation, a manual review of your deductions, or incorrect bank details.
What does “balancing account” mean?
It means the ATO has calculated the outcome of your tax return and is checking your refund against any amounts you owe, including debts to other government agencies. It is usually the last stage before your notice of assessment is issued.
How do I check the progress of my tax return?
Use ATO online services via your myGov account (Tax > Lodgements > Income tax), the ATO app, or ask your registered tax agent to check the status for you.
When can I call the ATO about a delayed return?
Wait until the standard timeframe has passed, about two weeks for online returns and up to 10 weeks for paper, before following up.
Want a smooth, accurate lodgement?
The fastest tax refund is the accurate tax return that never gets pulled for review. KNS Accountants lodges online, double checks every return before it goes in, and keeps you updated on its progress as part of their broader accounting, taxation and business advisory services. Contact KNS Accountants to lodge with confidence.
This article is general information only and does not take into account your personal circumstances. It is not personal tax advice. Timeframes are current as at the time of writing; confirm current details with the ATO or a registered tax agent.
