The Tax Refund Timeline—When Will the ATO Pay You?

Gotax Publishing – 12 October 2025

The Question Every Aussie Asks at Tax Time

You’ve lodged your return and now you’re waiting. The big question: “When will my tax refund hit my bank account?”

The answer depends on how you lodge, what you claim, and whether the ATO needs to take a closer look. Let’s break down the tax refund timeline so you know what to expect—and how Gotax helps you get your money faster.

Standard ATO Processing Times

• Online lodgement: Usually within 2 weeks
• Paper lodgement: Can take up to 10 weeks
• Gotax lodgement: Streamlined, error-free, and designed to keep you closer to the 2-week mark

The ATO processes millions of returns every July. Lodging online with a registered tax agent like Gotax is the fastest way to get your tax refund.

What Can Delay Your Tax Refund

Even if you lodge early, some things can slow down your tax refund:

• Missing or incorrect details – wrong bank account, TFN, or personal info
• Mismatched income data – employer or bank records don’t line up with your return
• Risky or unusual tax deduction claims – the ATO may review them before paying out
• ATO audit or review – if your return is flagged, payment is paused until it’s resolved

How to Speed Up Your Tax Refund

• Lodge online with Gotax – faster, more accurate, fewer errors
• Double-check your bank details – the ATO won’t chase you if they bounce your refund
• Wait for pre-fill data – lodging before your employer or bank reports can cause mismatches
• Keep receipts for all tax deductions – Gotax prompts you to upload and store them

Real-World Example

John lodges with Gotax on July 10. His return is accurate, pre-fill data matches, and his tax refund lands in his account in 10 days.

Lisa lodges a paper return on July 10. She waits 8 weeks for her tax refund.

How Gotax Helps

• Error-free lodgement – we catch mistakes before the ATO does
• Automatic pre-fill checks – ensures your income matches ATO records
• Smart prompts – we ask for missing info before you lodge
• Faster processing – fewer errors mean quicker tax refunds

FAQs

How long does it take to get my tax refund?
Most online returns are processed within 2 weeks. Paper returns can take up to 10 weeks.

Why is my tax refund delayed?
Delays happen if your details don’t match ATO records, or if your tax deductions look unusual.

Can I track my tax refund?
Yes. You can use the ATO’s “Where’s my refund?” tool or check through Gotax.

Does lodging with Gotax make my tax refund faster?
Yes. Gotax reduces errors and mismatches, which are the main causes of delays.

What if the ATO reviews my return?
Your tax refund will be paused until the review is complete. Gotax helps you respond quickly.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Longer Than You Have To

Your tax refund is your money—so why wait longer than necessary? Lodging with Gotax means fewer errors, faster processing, and your tax refund in your bank account sooner.

Lodge smarter. Get your tax refund faster. Use Gotax.

Mandatory Disclaimer

This blog is an information source only. Make sure you seek professional advice, like Gotax, before you act on its contents.