Table of Content:
- Check progress of tax return
- How long does a tax return take in Australia?
- Why is my tax return taking so long?
- Check ATO tax return status
- What does balancing account mean? (in progress balancing account)
- What comes after balancing account ATO?
- Conclusion
Check progress of tax return
There are many ways to check progress of tax return:
Online using ATO online services
If you link the ATO to your myGov account, you can easily check the progress of your tax return or any tax return amendments that you have made using ATO online services. To check the progress of your tax return:
- Sign in to myGov
- Choose ATO from your linked services
- Choose the “manage tax returns” option
- Select the income year you are checking.
The tax return status will show how your tax return is progressing.
Check the progress in the ATO app
To check the progress of your 2025-26 tax return in the ATO app, you need to log in to the app and then choose your tax return for 2025-26. The status will be shown on the screen within the ATO app.
Check with your registered tax agent
If you have a registered tax agent, they can check the progress of your tax return by signing in to ATO online services. To ensure everything is lodged on time and accurately, you can seek help from the best accountants in Melbourne.
How long does a tax return take in Australia?
Generally, online returns are processed within 2 weeks. However, if a manual process is required, it may take up to 30 days. Paper tax return may take up to 10 weeks (around 50 business days) to complete the process. You may see your paper return in the ATO system after 7 weeks.
Why is my tax return taking so long?
If your tax return needs to go through manual checks, it may take longer to process. In case you forgot to include something in your tax return or made a mistake, a tax return amendment may be required. That’s why it’s often recommended to seek help from a tax return accountant.
Check ATO tax return status
| Status – Outcome | Description |
| In progress – Processing | This status appears at 2 stages of processing:
|
| In progress balancing account | In progress balancing account means that the ATO is balancing the outcomes of your tax return with your accounts with them and other Australian Government agencies. This may include transferring funds if you have outstanding amounts. The ATO will get in touch with you if they need more information. |
| In progress – Information pending | This phase means that the ATO is gathering information to complete processing your tax return. They will contact you in case further information is required. |
| In progress – Under review | This stage means that the ATO is reviewing your tax return manually to ensure everything is accurate before they finalise. If further information is required, they will contact you. |
| Issued – Dollar amount/ Nil | This step means that the ATO has finished processing your tax return, and your notice of assessment has been issued. You can see your refund. For amounts owing, choose the Notice of assessment link to check the due date for payment. |
What does balancing account mean? (in progress balancing account)
Most people see an in-progress balancing account status in myGov when the tax return moves through the processing stages, but prior to the Notice of Assessment being issued. The ATO balances the result of your tax return with your accounts with them and other Australian Government agencies. This may include transferring funds if you have outstanding amounts. The ATO will get in touch with you if they need further information.
What comes after balancing account ATO?
After balancing the account, the ATO will collect further information, review it, and issue your notice of assessment after completing processing of your tax return.
Conclusion
You may see different tax return statuses; understanding their meaning is crucial. If you are not familiar with this, you can rely on Reliable Melbourne Accountants.