You might be asking yourself ‘How long for a tax return’ if you expect a big refund. You can check the progress of your tax refund using different ways. Let’s explore each one by one.
How Long Does It Take to Get Tax Return?
The fastest way to check the progress of your tax return is by using ATO’s self-help services. If you file your taxes online, then it could take 2 weeks (14 days). However, if the ATO needs to manually process your taxes, it could take up to 30 days. Paper returns could take up to 10 weeks (50 business days) to process. To show in ATO’s systems, it could take up to 7 weeks for paper returns. If your tax return needs manual checks processing, then it may take some time. If you made a mistake, missed or forgot to include something in your tax return, you will have to amend your tax return.
Different Ways to Check the Progress of Your Tax Return
The following are some ways to check how long for tax return:
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Using ATO Online Services
You can check the status of your tax return or changes using ATO online services if you link the ATO to your myGov account.
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Using the ATO App or by Phone
You can also use the ATO app to check the status of your tax return. Or, you can use ATO’s self-help phone service.
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With Your Registered Tax Agent
If you file a tax return with a tax return accountant, you or your accountant can check the status of your tax return anytime by using ATO online services.
Status of Your Tax Return
When you check the status of your tax return using ATO online services, you will see one of the following statuses:
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In progress – processing
You might see this status if:
- The ATO has received your tax return and the ATO has begun processing it.
- The ATO has finalised your tax return and is issuing a notice of assessment.
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In progress – information pending
The ATO gathers information to finish your tax return processing. The ATO will contact you if they need additional information.
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In progress – under review
The ATO is manually reviewing your tax return to ensure everything is accurate before they finalise it. It may include reviewing your previous year’s returns. The ATO will contact you if they need additional information.
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In progress – balancing account
The ATO is balancing your tax return’s result with your accounts with ATO and other Australian Government agencies and making calculations for the amount the ATO will refund or you need to pay. The ATO will contact you if they need additional information.
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Extra processing time is needed
The ATO may need more time to finish your tax return’s processing. The ATO will contact you if they need additional information.
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Processed
The ATO has finished processing your tax return. You can also check the estimated assessment issue date.
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Issued – outcome
The ATO has processed your tax return, you can see your amount owing or refund. For amounts owing, choose the Notice of Assessment link to check the due date for payment.
Reasons for Delay in Processing Your Tax Return
Although most tax returns that are lodged online will be processed in 2 weeks, some tax returns may take some time to process. If:
- you try to file your tax return again after prior lodgment
- you made an amendment before the ATO completes your tax return processing or any previous amendments
- you file tax returns for several years at once
- the information you included in your tax return is not current
- the ATO needs to check details in your tax return – they need to get in touch with your financial institutions, employer or you to confirm the information in your tax return
- you have previously unresolved tax debt or presently have a tax debt with the ATO.
Conclusion
Now that you have a basic idea of how long it will take to get a tax refund. For tax return lodgment, you can also get in touch with our Reliable Melbourne Accountants.