Checking the progress of a client's tax return

In progress – Processing

This may display at two stages of processing where we have:

• received the tax return and have started processing it
• finalised the tax return and are issuing a notice of assessment.

Note: To view the estimated assessment issue date select the drop-down menu.

In progress – Information pending

We are collecting information to help us complete the processing of the tax return and will contact you if we need more information.

In progress – Under review

We are reviewing the tax return to make sure everything is right before we finalise it (this may include reviewing prior year tax returns).
We will contact you if we need more information.

In progress – Balancing account

We are balancing the result of the tax return with our and other government agencies accounts and calculating the amount we will refund or your client needs to pay.
We will contact you if we need more information.

In progress – Potentially taxable (trust income tax returns only)

We are checking information provided in the trust tax return to establish if the trustee is liable for tax.
We will contact you if we need more information.

Processed – Information recorded (partnership income tax returns only)

The information in the income tax return has been recorded.

Issued – $ Amount

We have issued the notice of assessment. The result of this notice of assessment and the issue date will be shown in our online services.

Potentially overstated and/or a claim requiring verification

We are reviewing the tax return as we have identified information in it that needs to be investigated.
We will contact you or your client if we need more information to verify a claim on your tax return.

Compromised TFN

We are investigating a potential compromised tax file number (TFN). The TFN entered in the tax return may have or has been misused by someone else.
We will contact you if we need more information.

Compliance activities are being undertaken

We are undertaking compliance activities on your client’s tax affairs. This may include a review of prior year assessments.

Managing a debt where the client is or has been insolvent and/or a debt needs manual action

We are managing existing debts where your client is or has been insolvent or is the subject of legal action.
We will need to manually process garnishees or offsets.

Verification, crosschecking and/or performing a manual calculation

We are checking information provided in the tax return against information we have in our systems. This may include:

• verifying if this is a final tax return
• reviewing additional information provided with the lodgment
• calculating interest
• verifying Higher Education Loan Help (HELP) or Student Financial Supplement Scheme (SFSS) information
• verifying private health insurance information
• verifying client activity, including where the client has left Australia or is deceased
• checking termination or lump sum information.

Processing other forms and/or payments for the client

We are currently processing other forms or payments for your client. This may occur when:

• prior year tax returns have been lodged
• another form or payment is being processed, including activity statements
• an early payment has been made to us
• a payment has been dishonoured.

Managing an existing debt for the client

This may include where your client has entered into a payment arrangement with us, or where your client has an existing debt with another Australian government agency such as Services Australia. This include debts such as Child Support, Centrelink or family tax benefit (FTB).

Verifying the identity of the taxpayer and/or tax agent

We have information which indicates your client’s identity may have been compromised. To protect your client, we are verifying you and your clients details. This may include verifying:

• personal details provided in the tax return against information we hold on our systems
• client activity, including where the client has departed Australia, or is deceased
• the relationship between you and your client.

Natural disaster impacts

We are verifying if your client is affected by a natural disaster. We have a longstanding policy of providing support to people affected by a natural disaster. This includes refunding amounts credited to existing debts where your client has entered into a deferral to pay or payment arrangement with us.

Awaiting advice from other Australian government agencies

We are waiting for advice from other Australian government agencies such as Services Australia. This includes determining whether your client may have a debt with another agency such as a Child Support, Centrelink or family tax benefit (FTB).

Accounting action in progress

We need more time for processing because of complexities in your client’s tax return or account.

Archived TFN

A TFN may be archived where there has been no activity on your client’s account for a period of time. This may be when the client has left Australia, or we have deemed them inactive or deceased.
We need more time to verify the client details, reactivate the TFN and process the tax return.

Verification of trustee details

We are checking information provided in the tax return at labels related to trustee details and will contact you if we need more information.

Verification of spouse information

We are checking information provided in the tax return at labels related to spouse information and will contact you if we need more information.

Verification of mandatory tax return information

We are checking information provided in the tax return at mandatory labels and will contact you if we need more information.

Verification of trust information

We are checking information provided in the tax return at labels related to trust information and will contact you if we need more information.

Verification of financial institution account details

We are checking information provided in the tax return at labels related to the nominated financial institution account and will contact you if we need more information.

Verification of fund information

We are checking information provided in the tax return at labels related to superannuation fund information and will contact you if we need more information.

Verification of employment termination payment information

We are checking information provided in the tax return at labels related to an employment termination payment and will contact you if we need more information.

Verification of private health insurance information

We are checking information provided in the tax return at labels related to private health insurance and will contact you if we need more information.

Amendment received before original return lodged

The original tax return isn't recorded as lodged. An original tax return must be recorded as lodged before an amendment can be made.

Amendment requested prior to previous amendment issuing

An amended tax return has been received without the prior amendment being finalised. An amendment must be issued before a subsequent amendment can be made.

Determining if the trustee is liable for tax

We are checking information provided in the tax return at labels to establish if the trustee is liable for tax and will contact you if we need more information.