How long do you have to wait for your assessment or refund?
We will process your tax return and issue you with a notice of assessment that shows the details of your tax refund or your tax bill.
When you electronically lodge a tax return for an individual for the current year, we'll aim to finalise the return within 12 business days of receipt. This timeframe does not apply to amendments to returns.
Most electronically lodged tax returns will be finalised within 30 calendar days of receipt. However, if we are unable to finalise your return within this timeframe, we'll inform you by email, SMS, phone call or letter. If you used a tax agent to lodge your return we will let them know that your return is delayed.
We'll aim to finalise a return lodged by mail for an individual within 42 calendar days of receipt.
If a return is incomplete, incorrect, needs checking or relates to a prior year, it may take us longer to complete the process. See When will you get your refund? for more information on what may delay the processing of your return.
Can you receive your refund via EFT?
The fastest, most secure way to receive your refund is to have it sent directly to your bank account using electronic funds transfer, or EFT. This means any money being returned to you will be paid straight into your Australian bank account. Joint accounts are acceptable.
You just need to provide your bank account details when you lodge your tax return.
Can you get your refund faster?
We may be able to help you get a quicker refund if you are in serious financial hardship. Serious financial hardship means you are unable to provide food, accommodation, clothing, medical treatment, education or other necessities for you, your family or other people for whom you are responsible.
Phone us on 13 28 61 before you lodge your tax return to find out if you are eligible for this faster service. Have on hand your tax return, TFN, pension or benefit statement, payment summaries and other papers that show you are in serious financial hardship.
Sections within After you lodge - assessment, refunds and payments
Last Modified: Wednesday, 7 November 2012