Tax time frequently asked questions

You have lodged your tax return, but where’s your refund?

To check on the progress of your tax return, you can phone our automated phone service on 13 28 65 anytime, 24 hours a day. You will need to provide your tax file number.

We will process your tax returns and baby bonus claims within our service timeframes. When enquiring about your refund or baby bonus claim, ensure you have waited the full processing period before you call. We are unable to assist callers who enquire before the processing period has passed.

The service timeframe that applies to you will depend on the method you have chosen to lodge your tax return. Our standard processing time is:

• two weeks if you lodged our tax return online using e-tax, and
• six weeks if you posted your tax return to the Tax Office.

If you are lodging your return using a tax agent, the service standard processing time is generally two weeks, provided your tax agent has lodged electronically. If your tax agent posts your tax return to the Tax Office, the service standard will be six weeks.

All service timeframes start from when the Tax Office receives your tax return

Sections within Post-lodgement

• You have lodged your tax return, but where’s your refund?
• If you don’t understand your notice of assessment, can you get someone to explain it to you?
• What if your notice of assessment doesn’t add up?
• How can you correct a mistake you made on your tax return?

Last Modified: Wednesday, 29 July 2009