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MrClueless(Newbie)Newbie
13 Feb 2023

Hi,

Last financial year (2021-2022), I've worked as a casual worker (I'm Australian citizen) and earned way below the minimum tax threshold. However, I still have a few hundred dollars withheld as "PAYG withholding", and I don't understand how I could request it back.

When I login online on ATO, under Income statement for '2021-2022', it shows that it is TAX ready. On the homepage, it also shows that Lodgement and Payment are up to date. If I try Tax --> income tax, it shows "No tax returns are due at this time.".

I'm very puzzled.. and looked endlessly for answers...anyone have any idea :(

9,185 views
7 replies
9,185 views
7 replies

Most helpful response

Most helpful reply

AriATO(Community Support)Community Support
14 Feb 2023

Hi @MrClueless


You do need to lodge a tax return to get a refund.


It sounds like you're missing the link to lodge your tax return because we're not expecting one. There's a couple of reasons this can happen -

  1. You received your TFN in a later financial year which is when your tax account would've been created.
  2. You have told us previously you don't need to lodge anymore returns.

This is a known issue. Follow the instructions on our website for when there is no prepare button or link when using myTax.

All replies

FriendAsking(Newbie)Newbie
13 Feb 2023

My understanding is that when you submitted your tax return for the 2021/2022 year the ATO would have calculated how much PAYG Tax should have been withheld from your assessible taxable earnings. If your 2021/2022 PAYG Withholding amount was in excess of the calculated amount the ATO would have refunded the excess amount to your nominated bank account. Check your 2021/2022 Notice of Assessment.

MrClueless(Newbie)Newbie
13 Feb 2023

I didn't get a notice of assessment ! Very stupid question incoming, Does the tax return get submitted automatically? I assumed everything is done for me since it displayed 'tax ready', and there was no option to submit for a tax return under income tax tab ("No tax returns are due at this time.")

Peter_Clyne(Superuser)Superuser
13 Feb 2023

Since you're hitting a system error, you should call ATO and ask 'em to help you file your return online.

Call queues can often be unreasonably long, so best to be equipped with your caffeine beverage of choice.

As I've noted before, ATO doesn't care how much of other peoples time they waste.

Good luck.

MrClueless(Newbie)Newbie
13 Feb 2023

Thank you... I actually tried to call them many times but they always say they are a maximum capacity and ended the call automatically ! I'll try calling them tomorrow =(

FriendAsking(Newbie)Newbie
13 Feb 2023

Tax returns are not automatically submitted. You or your tax agent need to do this.


The "Tax Ready" indicator means that your employer has let the ATO know that they have finalised their PAYG reporting the year in question, therefore there should be no changes to the amounts that have been reported for you.


If no luck with the phones, try the ATO link Lodge your tax return online with myTax | Australian Taxation Office (ato.gov.au)

Most helpful reply

AriATO(Community Support)Community Support
14 Feb 2023

Hi @MrClueless


You do need to lodge a tax return to get a refund.


It sounds like you're missing the link to lodge your tax return because we're not expecting one. There's a couple of reasons this can happen -

  1. You received your TFN in a later financial year which is when your tax account would've been created.
  2. You have told us previously you don't need to lodge anymore returns.

This is a known issue. Follow the instructions on our website for when there is no prepare button or link when using myTax.

Kingtruthar(I'm new)I'm new
5 Jan 2026

@MrClueless

your nearly there mate !!! I’ve amended 2 previous years just in December gone waiting to see how it goes or what excuses the ATO come up with this time not sure if I have filed it in the right area though still a few teething problems hahah!!!! Although if you read it In simple terms!!!! It’s “”Pay as you go”” withholding!!! Hence we get taxed on income so the roads get fixed NOT!!’ Hahah ect.. so I read it as we payed for the financial year for all the “dogooders” to eat!!! The we lodge a return of our withholdings WOW I can not believe it’s taken me all this time to figure it out!! Kerry packer said yrs ago I paid my taxes if people can not minimise the tax bill there stupid!! So I hind sight this whole time but not claiming the withholding we more or less told the ATO nah you keep it !!! Such bulls turds as they should have just returned it in the first place!!! I truly believe it blatantly fraud misconduct and the ATO and policy, bill, n act writers all should be held accountable if not jailed as I know where yourself n I would be if we were to take all this money from someone who really needs and deserves it!!!! Just go back into returns the ones saying tax ready hit amend n bobs you uncle!!!! Have a blessed day my friend 🙏🙏🙏

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How can i get my PAYG withholding back? | ATO Community