Where's my tax return?

How do I check my tax return's status?

No need to call us – simply check your tax return status by using the ATO app this opens in a new window , or in just a few clicks check online via myGov this opens in a new window . Easy as!

Remember, most tax returns lodged online can take 2-4 weeks to process. Paper returns can take 7 weeks to show in the system.

To check the progress in the app:

• log in to the ATO app

• select Your tax return for 2023–24 and your status will display.

To check the progress in myGov:

• sign in to myGov

• select ATO from your linked services

• from the home page select Manage tax returns

• then select the income year you are checking and your status will display.

What does balancing account mean in ATO online services?

Balancing account means that we have the result of your return, and we’re working out your refund or bill amount based on your account balance.

If you have a debt or a credit with us or another Australian Government agency, it'll be taken into account at this stage. Your return will still take a few more days while we review your accounts.

Why is my tax return showing as ‘cancelled?’

A cancelled transaction on your income tax account doesn’t necessarily mean your return has stopped processing, your return may be on hold.

We may be reviewing your return to ensure you have included all the information that has been reported to us. As a result, your return might show as cancelled for 24-48 hours.

It’s important you don’t lodge again while this is happening, this can slow things down. Please allow up to 2 weeks for your electronically lodged return to be finalised.

What does ‘extra time processing’ mean?

There are many reasons your return may take some extra time to process this opens in a new window .

It’s important to not lodge again or lodge an amendment before your return finishes processing.

Calling us won’t speed up the process. If we do need more information from you or your tax agent to help us finalise your return, we’ll reach out.

What’s the difference between ‘processed’ date and ‘effective’ date?

The processed date is the date we finish processing your return and update your tax account.

If you’re entitled to a refund, the effective date is usually the date we send your refund to your financial institution. You’ll need to check with your financial institution to find out how long it may take for them to process your refund.

If you have a tax bill, the effective date will be the date your payment is due.

Why is my refund lower than my estimate?

Your estimate is just that – an estimate. This can change based on a few reasons:

• you have amounts owing to other government agencies like Centrelink or child support

• your study loan balance is different to what you input

• you over claimed your private health insurance rebate

• you made a mistake on your return and we needed to correct it to match the information reported to us from another source (like your bank)

It’s best to wait until your return has finalised so you can review the changes on your Notice of Assessment this opens in a new window .

If your Notice of Assessment shows a different amount to your account balance, refer to your Statement of Account this opens in a new window .

If you do find yourself with a bill you can’t pay in full, don’t stress. Head to our article to help with  Setting up an ATO payment plan. It can all be done online – easy as that.

What’s the status on my tax return mean?

Your return goes through different phases. If we need extra information throughout the process, we’ll contact you. You might see one or more of these statuses as it processes: