Most Australian tax refunds lodged via myTax arrive within 2 weeks. Paper returns take significantly longer — up to 10 weeks. The ATO processes returns in the order they are received, and returns lodged at peak times (August–October) may take slightly longer than those lodged in July or November.
Typical Processing Times
| Lodgement method | Typical processing time |
|---|---|
| myTax (electronically) | 2 weeks (often faster, sometimes 5–7 business days) |
| Tax agent (electronic) | 2 weeks |
| Paper return (mailed) | Up to 10 weeks |
The ATO’s published standard is to process most electronic returns within 2 weeks and mail all Notices of Assessment within 14 days of processing. Refunds are deposited into your nominated bank account at the same time.
How to Track Your Refund
You can check the status of your return and refund via:
- ATO online services in myGov → Tax → Returns → The year in question
- ATO app → Tax return status
- ATO’s automated phone service → 13 28 61
The return will show one of these statuses:
- In progress — return has been received and is being processed
- Under review — the ATO is reviewing one or more items before finalising
- Processed — refund (or bill) has been calculated and the Notice of Assessment has been issued
- Refund issued — funds have been sent to your bank account
Why Some Refunds Are Delayed
Most returns process smoothly. Delays occur when:
The ATO puts your return “under review”:
- Income claimed differs significantly from data the ATO has from third parties
- Deductions look unusual compared to your occupation or income level
- You have indicated a large claim for rental property losses or capital gains
- It is your first year lodging (identity verification checks)
Reviews can take weeks to months. The ATO may request additional information from you — respond promptly to avoid further delays.
Your income statement is not finalised: If you lodge before your employer finalises your income statement, the ATO may hold the return until the data is confirmed. Waiting until after 14 August reduces this risk.
Incorrect bank details: If the bank account details you provided are wrong, the refund will bounce and the ATO will need to reissue it. Check your account details carefully before submitting.
Paper return: Paper returns are manually processed and take up to 10 weeks. Electronic lodgement is strongly recommended.
When to Contact the ATO About a Delayed Refund
If it has been:
- More than 2 weeks since you lodged electronically with no update — you can check online first, then call if needed
- More than 10 weeks since you lodged a paper return — contact the ATO
ATO general enquiries: 13 28 61 (individuals). Have your TFN and lodgement receipt number ready.
Alternatively, a registered tax agent can check the status on your behalf and communicate with the ATO if there is an issue.
What Happens If the ATO Owes You a Refund for Years Gone By?
The ATO pays interest on refunds that arise from amended assessments where the ATO was at fault. For ordinary refunds from a current-year return lodged on time, no interest is paid — but the refund comes quickly via electronic lodgement.
If you have not lodged prior-year returns and are owed refunds from those years, you can still lodge — there is generally no time limit on claiming refunds from late lodgements, though returns more than two years old may need to go through a registered tax agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly do tax refunds appear in your bank account? Once the ATO processes your return and issues the Notice of Assessment, the refund is usually transferred to your bank account within 2–5 business days. The full cycle from lodgement to bank deposit is typically 2 weeks.
Can I speed up my tax refund? Electronic lodgement via myTax is the fastest option. There is no way to expedite processing beyond submitting electronically with all correct information, waiting until income statements are finalised, and ensuring your bank details are accurate.
What if my refund is less than expected? The ATO may have applied the refund to an existing debt (such as an unpaid HECS liability or a prior tax bill). Check your ATO account in myGov for any outstanding debts that may have been offset against the refund.
Is there interest on my refund if the ATO takes a long time? For standard return refunds (not amendments), the ATO does not pay interest on the refund amount. Interest on delayed refunds applies only in specific amendment and review situations where the ATO’s actions caused the delay.
This article provides general tax information. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a registered tax agent. Find one through the Tax Practitioners Board register.