Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Waiting for your tax refund is agony, especially when you’ve got plans for the money. Here’s why some Australians get their refunds in as little as seven days while others wait months.
Key takeaways:
- Use an online tax return service (like Etax) to lodge accurately AND quickly. Tax experts ensure you claim everything correctly and help avoid costly mistakes that slow processing down at the ATO.
- Organise your receipts and documents year-round so you’re ready to lodge on 01 July.
- Check your contact details are up to date for seamless communication about your return.
- Only claim what you can prove to keep the ATO from flagging and delaying your refund.
How do you get a tax refund faster?
So, here’s something most people don’t know: the ATO doesn’t process returns in the order they arrive!
That’s right, some sail through in a few days or a week or two, while others sit in review for months.
The reason for the difference? Usually just a few preventable mistakes.
The ATO’s automated systems analyse every return. Some get flagged for detailed review. Others get fast-tracked. Understanding what triggers red flags is the key to a faster refund.
Here are the numbers:
ATO standard tax refund processing times:
- 12 business days for electronically lodged returns
- 50 business days (10 weeks) for paper returns
- 30 days before the ATO will accept enquiries about delays
Source: “ATO – After you lodge”
The expert advantage:
Our service ensures returns run smoothly through ATO systems, with most clients receiving refunds within 7-10 days.
“Our accountants check your return for anything that could slow down your tax refund. They know what ‘triggers’ an ATO audit, like errors or unusual claims. We spot these problems before the ATO does!”
Jateen Topiwala | Etax Tax Manager
4 proven strategies that keep your tax refund out of the slow lane:
Our tax experts share their proven strategies to help you get a faster tax refund
- Don’t DIY: Get expert help to fast-track your refund
Get an expert on your side. Going it alone is the worst thing you can do when you want a fast refund. Like many Australian taxpayers, you might be unsure about what expenses to claim or how to answer tax questions correctly. Just a single mistake lodging on your own could lead to a slower refund.
- Organise your tax documents to speed up refund processing
Your employer(s) provides your income records directly to the ATO. But if you received other types of income (like bank interest, shares, rental income), keep a record of it.
Collect receipts for all work-related expenses you pay for, plus other deductions like charity donations. Just gather them in one place, all year long. See our tips for how to save receipts and deductions here.
In July, come back to Etax. We’ll pre-fill up to 80% of your return for you. Just add in your deductions and Etax experts take it from there. - Get your contact details right
Make sure you enter your personal details in the Etax form correctly. That way, if anything comes up, your Etax accountant can get in touch with you right away.
Provide an email address that you check frequently as well as your current mobile number.
In addition, be sure to add [email protected] to your email address book – this helps you see important notices about your tax refund. - Make sure your return is honest and realistic:
Only enter deductions that you really paid for, and that are related to your work. If you’re not sure whether to claim it, we’re here to help!
If you didn’t pay for it or your employer reimbursed you, don’t include it on your return.
If you inflate the dollar amount of deductions, it can ring alarm bells at the ATO. This is the best way to get yourself in trouble. The ATO knows more about your finances than you think.
If you “get creative” with your tax return, rather than getting your refund faster, you could lose it completely!
Frequently Asked Questions
Other questions people ask us when it comes to getting a tax refund faster:
Lodging early can help you receive your refund weeks faster. The sooner you lodge, the sooner you get your refund. Plus, if you’re at the front of the queue, you have less chance of facing ATO processing backlogs.
While we can’t control ATO processing times, Etax ensures your return is accurate and complete before lodgement, reducing delays from errors or ATO queries.
Yes, you can track the status of your tax return by logging in to your Etax account. The tax return status page will tell you where it’s up to. Unfortunately, the ATO won’t take direct enquiries about the progress of your refund until 30 days after you lodge your return.
Inflated or unsubstantiated claims for work-from-home expenses, car expenses, and clothing deductions often trigger ATO scrutiny. Always be honest and keep receipts.
Ready for your fastest refund ever? Start your Etax return now, or call us on 1300 693 829.
