Australians eagerly awaiting their 2025 tax refunds can expect the process to officially begin from July 1, 2025. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will start processing returns for the 2024–25 financial year once the fiscal year ends on June 30. However, experts advise waiting until all income information is finalized before lodging, to avoid unnecessary delays or amendments later.
Employers must finalize income statements by July 14, 2025, and banks, insurers, and investment institutions also need time to report accurate financial information. While it may be tempting to lodge early, rushing could increase the risk of mistakes that could delay refunds.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Tax Refund?
The method of lodging your return plays a big role in how quickly you will receive your refund:
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Online Lodgment via myTax or a Registered Tax Agent: Most refunds are processed within 12 business days.
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Paper Lodgment: Can take up to 50 business days due to manual processing and additional verification.
These timelines are general estimates, and individual factors may cause variations. Always track your return status to stay informed about the progress.
Reasons Why a Tax Refund Might Be Delayed
Several factors can cause delays in your refund, even if you lodge early:
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Incomplete or Incorrect Information: Errors in your tax return, such as wrong bank account numbers or missing income, can slow things down.
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Outstanding Government Debts: If you owe money to the ATO or other government agencies, your refund may be used to cover those debts first.
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Verification Checks: The ATO may need to verify information with your employer, bank, or other institutions, particularly if something does not match reported records.
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Multiple or Amended Returns: Submitting several returns or corrections can complicate processing and cause longer wait times.
Being accurate and complete when lodging your return is crucial to minimize the risk of delay.
How to Check Your Tax Return Status
You can easily monitor your return by using the following tools:
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myGov Account: Access your linked ATO service and track your tax return progress.
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ATO App: Available for mobile devices, offering a convenient way to check status updates.
Common status stages include:
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In Progress – Processing: Your return is under review.
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In Progress – Information Pending: The ATO is awaiting additional data.
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Processed: Your return has been completed.
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Issued – Outcome: Your notice of assessment is ready, and refund information is provided.
Important Dates for the 2025 Tax Season
Mark these key dates to stay organized during the 2025 tax season:
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July 1, 2025: Tax return lodgment officially opens.
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July 14, 2025: Deadline for employers to finalize income statements.
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October 31, 2025: Deadline for individuals who self-lodge.
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May 15, 2026: Deadline for clients using a registered tax agent (if registered by October 31, 2025).
By lodging early but carefully, you can maximize your chances of a fast refund and avoid surprises later.
FAQs
How long does it usually take to get a tax refund in 2025?
Most online tax returns are processed within 12 business days, while paper returns can take up to 50 business days.
Can I lodge my tax return before July 1, 2025?
No, the ATO only starts accepting tax returns for the 2024–25 financial year from July 1, 2025.
What should I do if my refund is delayed?
First, check your tax return status via myGov or the ATO app. If no updates are available after 30 days, you may need to contact the ATO directly.
Will outstanding debts affect my tax refund?
Yes, if you have debts owed to the ATO or other government agencies, your tax refund may be used to offset those amounts.
How can I avoid delays in receiving my tax refund?
Ensure all income details are finalized before lodging, double-check personal and banking information, and lodge electronically if possible for faster processing.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.