Tax Refund 2026

Your Tax Refund Starts With What You Claim.

The size of your tax refund depends on your income, tax withheld and the tax deductions included in your return.

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Checked by
Registered Tax Agents

$

Tax Returns
From $35

Secure Online
System

Australian completing an online tax return

What Impacts Your Tax Refund?

$

Income

How much you earned.

Tax Withheld

How much tax was paid during the year.

Tax Deductions

What eligible expenses you can claim.

Tax deductions are often the difference between a smaller refund and a larger one.

Tax Deductions Australians Commonly Miss

Working
From Home

Phone &
Internet

Union
Fees

Professional
Memberships

Self-
Education

Tools &
Equipment

Donations

Same Income. Different Refund.

Person A illustration

Person A

  • Same Income
  • Limited Deductions Considered
  • Smaller Refund Outcome
Person B illustration

Person B

  • Same Income
  • More Deductions Considered
  • Potentially Better Refund Outcome

Refunds can differ because deductions, offsets and return details differ.

How GoTax Helps

1

Enter Your Information

Enter your income details and review available prefill information.

2

Claim Your Tax Deductions

Claim your eligible tax deductions and expenses.

3

Checked By A
Registered Tax Agent

Before your return is lodged, a registered tax agent reviews it.

Start My Tax Return

When Will I Receive My Tax Refund?

Most tax refunds are received within approximately 6-10 working days after lodgement, although timing depends entirely on ATO processing.

Real Australians. Real Reviews.

4.9 average rating from thousands of reviews

“GoTax found deductions I didn't even know I could claim. My refund was more than I expected!”

– Sarah, QLD

“I found deductions I would have missed. So easy to use!”

– Bec, NSW

“The tax agent check gave me confidence I hadn't missed anything.”

– Mark, VIC

Quick Answers

  • A tax refund is money returned when you have paid more tax than required.
  • Tax refunds are affected by income, tax withheld, deductions and offsets.
  • Most refunds are received within 6–10 working days after lodgement.
  • Commonly missed deductions include home office, phone, education and tools.
  • Every GoTax return is checked by registered tax agents before lodgement.
  • Most Australians can complete their tax return entirely online.

Common Questions

What is a tax refund?

A tax refund is money returned to you when the tax you paid during the year is more than the tax you were required to pay. Many Australians receive a refund after their income, tax deductions and offsets are assessed by the ATO.

How is a tax refund calculated?

A tax refund is generally calculated using your income, tax withheld, tax deductions, tax offsets and other information included in your tax return. The ATO compares the tax you have already paid against the tax you were required to pay and calculates the difference.

What tax deductions can increase a refund?

Common tax deductions that may increase a refund include working from home expenses, phone and internet costs, self-education expenses, tools and equipment, union fees, professional memberships and donations. The deductions available depend on your individual circumstances.

When will I receive my tax refund?

Most tax refunds are received within approximately 6–10 working days after lodgement. Processing times are determined by the ATO and can vary depending on the information provided and any additional checks required.

Why is my refund different to last year?

Your tax refund can change from year to year due to differences in income, tax withheld, tax deductions, tax offsets and tax laws. Even small changes to your circumstances can affect your final refund outcome.

Can I legally increase my refund?

You can legally increase your tax refund by ensuring all eligible tax deductions and offsets are included in your tax return. Many Australians miss deductions simply because they are unaware they can claim them.

Do I need receipts?

You should keep records for any tax deductions you claim. GoTax does not normally need to see your receipts, but you should retain them in case the ATO requests evidence or additional information is required.

Is GoTax secure?

Yes. GoTax uses secure systems and encryption technology to help protect your information. Every return is also reviewed by registered tax agents before lodgement.

Why is my return checked?

Every GoTax return is checked by registered tax agents before lodgement. This review helps identify common mistakes, missing information and potential tax deductions that may have been overlooked.

Can I complete my tax return online?

Yes. Most Australians can complete their tax return entirely online. GoTax guides you through the process step-by-step, helps you claim tax deductions and has your return checked by registered tax agents before lodgement.

GoTax - Tax Refund

Don't Leave Part Of Your Refund Behind.

Your tax refund starts with what you claim.
GoTax helps make sure nothing important gets missed.

Start My Tax Return
No appointments. No paperwork. No accountant meetings.