Loading
This thread is archived and the information may not be up-to-date. You can't reply to this thread.
angie.meows(Newbie)Newbie
30 May 2023

I am interested in making a voluntary payment today (30 May) on my HECS HELP debt but only if it will be taken into account for the 1 June indexation. Your info pages say that I need to make sure there I leave enough processing time, however, gives no indication of how long that will take.

Why cant the "effective date" by the relevant date the voluntary payment will be considered as paid?

I have tried to call and ask about this but have been unable to get through due to the large wait times

1,694 views
2 replies
1,694 views
2 replies

Most helpful response

Most helpful reply

TeddyATO(Community Support)Community Support
30 May 2023

Hello @Angie.meows,


The reason why we are unable to provide a specific processing time is due to the fact it is outside the ATO's control when we receive the payment. The processing time refers to the time it takes for your bank to send the money to the Reserve Bank and then to the ATO account. Once it is in the ATO account it is associated to the client record assuming the person who paid used the correct payment reference number. Normally we suggest that you pay 2 days ahead of time as that seems to be the usual timeframe of most BPAY payments.

All replies

Most helpful reply

TeddyATO(Community Support)Community Support
30 May 2023

Hello @Angie.meows,


The reason why we are unable to provide a specific processing time is due to the fact it is outside the ATO's control when we receive the payment. The processing time refers to the time it takes for your bank to send the money to the Reserve Bank and then to the ATO account. Once it is in the ATO account it is associated to the client record assuming the person who paid used the correct payment reference number. Normally we suggest that you pay 2 days ahead of time as that seems to be the usual timeframe of most BPAY payments.

angie.meows(Newbie)Newbie
30 May 2023

So I could pay today, but no guarantee? Especially, when you could easily ascertain the 'effective date' the payment was made.

Also, I've seen elsewhere on these community boards that the ATO have said there is a four day processing time. It is really not clear so I don't think I'll take the risk. Pretty disappointing.

Featured articles

20% reduction of HECS-HELP and other student debts

3 June 2026 · 3 min read time

Paying my HECS HELP student loan

13 May 2026 · 4 min read time

Linking your myGov account to the ATO

24 Aug 2025 · 3 min read time

Top liked users

  1. Bruce4Tax

    (Taxicorn)

    3283 likes

  2. Taxduck

    (Taxicorn)

    2101 likes

  3. PayrollDeanne

    (Taxicorn)

    845 likes

  4. YellowPotato

    (Taxicorn)

    545 likes

  5. knaresbro

    (Devotee)

    368 likes

Top contributors

  1. Bruce4Tax

    (Taxicorn)

    10436contributions

  2. Taxduck

    (Taxicorn)

    4806contributions

  3. PayrollDeanne

    (Taxicorn)

    2094contributions

  4. YellowPotato

    (Taxicorn)

    1381contributions

  5. YEP

    (Devotee)

    837contributions

Loading
Processing time for voluntary repayment for HECS HELP loan | ATO Community