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rgurney(Newbie)Newbie
31 Oct 2025

Hi,


I am paying out my HECS as part of a refinance due to a separation, initially when I had submitted the application my final subjects hadn't been applied which was mostly going to be covered by what I got back in the 20% reduction.


As that is now not happening until the end of the year and I my final subjects have been applied there is an approximately 5k difference. I was wondering if I make a voluntary repayment to cover the costs of the last subjects how long does this take to show on the balance owing?


The further to that, with me paying out the final balance in the next few weeks when the 20% reduction gets applied it will put me into credit, is this something I then have to wait for next financial year to get back or will it automatically get debited into my bank account as I wouldn't owe anything to the ATO at that point?

70 views
1 replies
70 views
1 replies

All replies

JayATO(Community Support)Community Support
4 Nov 2025

Hi @rgurney,


Voluntary repayments can take up to 4 business days to appear on your ATO account. If you make the payment electronically or at Australia Post, it should show within this timeframe.


Regarding the 20% reduction - yes, if your account goes into credit after the reduction is applied, you'll automatically get a refund to your nominated bank account. This happens as long as you don't have other outstanding tax or government debts.


It's worth checking your bank details are up to date with us now to avoid delays. The refund will be processed separately to the reduction, so there'll be a delay between seeing the credit and receiving your refund.


Check out our article Explaining the 20% HELP/HECS reduction and other study loan changes for more details.

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HECS Voluntary Repayment | ATO Community