When Your 2025 Tax Refund Is Coming: As the end of the financial year approaches, Australians are beginning to ask the most anticipated question of the season: “When is my 2025 tax refund coming?” The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has now officially released its tax lodgment and refund processing schedule, and we’re here to break it all down for you in a clear, easy-to-understand format that applies whether you’re an employee, sole trader, student, retiree, or investor.
Whether you’re a seasoned business owner navigating deductions or a first-time filer looking for simplicity, understanding the 2025 tax refund timeline is critical. Knowing when you can expect your refund not only helps with planning bills and budgeting, but can also be useful for scheduling home improvements, travel, or savings contributions. After all, for many, this is one of the few opportunities in the year to receive a lump sum payment from the government.
When Your 2025 Tax Refund Is Coming
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Lodgment Start Date | 1 July 2025 |
| Employer Deadline (Income Statement Finalisation) | 14 July 2025 |
| Individual Lodgment Deadline | 31 October 2025 |
| Tax Agent Deadline | 15 May 2026 (if registered with agent by 31 October 2025) |
| Online Refund Processing Time | Within 12 business days |
| Paper Lodgment Processing Time | Up to 50 business days |
| ATO Refund Tracker | Check Refund Status |
| Official ATO Website | ato.gov.au |
The 2025 tax season offers a fresh opportunity to reassess your financial position and claim what you’re legally entitled to. By understanding key dates, preparing early, and lodging correctly, you not only avoid penalties—you also maximize your potential refund.
Use the tools provided by the ATO, like myTax and the refund tracker, or seek professional advice where necessary. With a bit of planning and diligence, your 2025 tax return can be a smooth, rewarding experience.To learn more or get started, visit the ATO’s official Tax Return Hub.
When Does Tax Season Start in 2025?
The 2025 tax season officially begins on 1 July 2025, marking the start of the lodgment period for your 2024–25 financial year return. The fiscal year runs from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, and once that ends, taxpayers can begin submitting returns.
While you can technically lodge your return as early as 1 July, the ATO strongly advises waiting until your income statement is marked “Tax ready” in your myGov account. Employers are legally required to finalize this information by 14 July 2025, though many do so beforehand.
Why is this important? Lodging before your statement is finalized may lead to missing or inaccurate data in your return, which could delay processing and lead to incorrect assessments.
How Long Will It Take to Get My Tax Refund?
Online Lodgment
Using myTax via your myGov account or engaging a registered tax agent is the fastest way to lodge. The ATO typically processes electronic tax returns within 12 business days — and often sooner during low-volume periods.
Paper Lodgment
Prefer mailing your forms? Be aware that processing times are much longer: expect up to 50 business days, especially during peak season. The ATO discourages paper returns unless absolutely necessary.
Using the ATO Refund Tracker
You can monitor your return’s progress online using the ATO’s official refund tracker. It provides real-time updates through your myGov account and can help alleviate anxiety during the waiting period.
What Might Delay Your Refund?
Even with perfect timing, certain issues can still cause delays:
- Incomplete or incorrect information (e.g. mismatched TFN, address errors, or wrong deduction claims)
- Outstanding debts, such as HECS/HELP, Centrelink overpayments, or unpaid tax liabilities. The ATO may withhold part or all of your refund to settle these.
- Random audits or verification checks, which can affect any return regardless of income or complexity.
- High-income or investment returns, which often undergo extra scrutiny due to complex structures or high-value claims.
- Unusual deductions or excessive claims, especially if they deviate from your previous returns or ATO benchmarks.
The ATO’s annual report reveals that approximately 10-15% of returns are selected for manual review each year — sometimes randomly, but often based on risk profiling. (Source)
Guide to Lodging Your 2025 Tax Return
- Gather Your Financial Documents: Make sure you have:
- PAYG payment summaries or income statements from every job
- Interest income from banks or credit unions
- Dividend statements for shares or ETFs
- Centrelink payment summaries (if applicable)
- Private health insurance info
- Records of deductible expenses (e.g., tools, uniforms, self-education, charity donations)
- Details of cryptocurrency transactions, rental properties, or business income if applicable
- Log into myGov and Link the ATO: If not already done, connect your ATO account through your myGov dashboard. This will let you see your pre-filled data, refund estimates, and messages.
- Wait for Your Employer to Finalize Income: Monitor your myGov inbox to check when your income statement is marked as “Tax ready.” Only then should you proceed to complete your return.
- Choose Lodgment Method:
- myTax is ideal for straightforward returns. It’s fast, free, and guides you through each step.
- Registered tax agents are helpful for more complex returns. They can claim more nuanced deductions and help with compliance.
- Submit, Save, and Track: Once you’ve lodged:
- Save a digital or physical copy of your submission
- Check the refund tracker regularly for updates
Expert Tips to Maximize Your 2025 Tax Refund
Want to boost your chances of getting the biggest refund possible? Here are some professional-grade tips:
- Log Work-Related Expenses Early: Use apps like the ATO’s myDeductions to track receipts year-round.
- Home Office Claims: If you work from home, use the fixed rate method ($0.67/hour in 2025) or calculate actual expenses for items like power and internet.
- Claim Depreciation: Asset depreciation (e.g. laptops, phones, tools) can be claimed over multiple years.
- Check Your Private Health Coverage: It might qualify you for a tax offset or help avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge.
- Spouse or Dependent Offsets: If your partner earns below a certain threshold, you might be eligible for tax offsets.
- Super Contributions: Up to $27,500 in concessional (pre-tax) contributions may be deductible.
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Should You Use a Tax Agent in 2025?
If your tax affairs are simple and you’re confident in your knowledge, DIY lodgment through myTax is the most cost-effective method. However, a registered tax agent is recommended if:
- You own rental property or shares
- You trade cryptocurrency or NFTs
- You operate a business or freelance on an ABN
- You want professional advice on tax planning or structuring
Additionally, using an agent extends your deadline to 15 May 2026, offering more flexibility.
To find a reputable professional, search the Tax Practitioners Board.
FAQs On When Your 2025 Tax Refund Is Coming
1. What happens if I lodge after the 31 October deadline?
Late lodgment without a tax agent may result in penalties. If you’re running late, engage a tax agent before 31 October to get an extension.
2. Do I need to lodge if I earned under the tax-free threshold?
You may not need to pay tax, but you should still lodge a return or a non-lodgment advice to stay compliant.
3. How do I amend my return if I made a mistake?
Use your myGov portal to revise it, or ask your agent to submit an amendment.
4. Are government payments like JobSeeker taxable?
Yes, most Centrelink payments are taxable and should appear in your pre-filled info.
5. How can I contact the ATO for help?
Visit ato.gov.au, use the ATO app, or call their helpline at 13 28 61 (8am–6pm weekdays).
