Tax Return:: Why Your Tax Return May Be Delayed

Hello, this is your tax and super specialist, P&C Tax Professionals.

Many of the tax returns that are lodged online normally gets processed within 2 weeks but there are certain factors that may delay the process of your tax return. Today, we will cover how to check the progress of your tax return and a few of the main reasons why your tax return may be getting delayed.

<Checking the progress of your tax return>

When it comes to tracking the progress of your tax return, you can do so using one of the options below:

1. Check online using your myGov account

- Sign in to myGov

- Select ATO from your Linked services (if you don’t see it from your list of services, you must link your myGov account to the ATO first)

- From the home page select Manage tax returns

- Finally, select the relevant income year you are tracking

You should then be able to see the status of your tax return.

2. Check the progress by using the ATO app

- Login to the ATO app

- Select the 2021-22 financial year for your tax return

The status of your tax return should now be presented on the screen.

3. Check by phoning ATO

- Phone 13 28 65 and make sure you have your tax file number with you

- Choose option 1 and then option 1 again.

4. Check with your registered tax agent

If you lodged your tax return through a registered tax agent, your accountant would be able to check the progress of your tax return on your behalf.

<Reasons behind tax returns getting delayed>

Even though the usual processing timeframe for tax returns is 2 weeks, there are certain circumstances that may hinder the progress of your tax return.

Some examples include:

> if you attempt to lodge your tax return again after previously lodging one already

> if you have lodged an amended tax return before the ATO has finished processing your original tax return or any other previous amendments

> if you lodge tax returns for multiple years simultaneously (applicable to those of you who have overdue tax returns)

> if you are under an insolvency administration – e.g., bankruptcy or debt arrangement (in such a case, ensure to check that your insolvency practitioner advises the ATO of your situation PRIOR to lodging your tax return)

> if the Australian financial institution account details that you have included in your tax return are not up to date

> if the ATO needs to further check on information that has been provided on your tax return – the ATO may need to get in touch with your employer, financial institutions, private health insurers or yourself to confirm and/or cross-check any information included in your tax return

> if the ATO needs to check information with other Australian Government agencies (e.g., Services Australia, including Centrelink or Child Support) – the ATO would be required to use a portion or all of your tax refund to pay off the debt you have with the other government agencies if there are any outstanding amounts that are due (you will be notified if such an event occurs)

> if you possess a tax debt or have an unresolved tax debt with the ATO

> if you have a tax debt that was previously put on hold

If your tax return is getting delayed, the ATO will contact you to receive any additional information they need and both the client and their tax agent will be informed on any ongoing delays.

Let’s wrap up it here but if you have any further questions or enquiries in relation to your tax and/or super, feel free to reach out to us via our official Facebook Page (P&C Tax Professionals – Australia) or by contacting us on our email at pnctax@naver.com.

Thank you and bye for now!