Why some returns may take longer
Some returns take longer than others to finalise, for example if:
we require more information or need to cross check data with Centrelink or the Child Support Program (it can take up to three days to check information with another Government agency)
it is a complex tax return and requires a large amount of manual checking by a tax officer, or
it is identified as being potentially fraudulent or including overstated claims.
Errors in a tax return can also delay your refund. Some common errors include:
forgetting to include your date of birth
supplying incorrect bank account details
forgetting to include any name change from a previous year's return, for example in the case of marriage, and
forgetting to include interest from a bank account, or income from a previous job.
To check the progress of your tax return you can call our automated service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 13 28 65 for personal tax returns and 13 72 26 for business tax returns. Upon calling this service you will be asked to enter your Tax File Number so please have this ready before you call.
Fraudulent or over-claimed refunds
Our use of risk models helps us detect potentially overstated or fraudulent claims for refunds.
We have stopped for review over 51,000 returns with total refunds claimed of over $200 million that are believed to include overstated claims or be potentially fraudulent.
Last Modified: Thursday, 18 August 2011 |