Why Your Tax Return Might Be Delayed

Lodged your return but haven’t received your refund yet?

You’re not alone! As the October 31 ATO deadline nears, thousands of Australians experience delayed tax refunds due to simple errors or high ATO review volumes.

If you’ve already lodged (or plan to soon), here are the most common reasons your tax return might be delayed and how to fix them fast.

1. Missing or Mismatched Income Information

If your employer or bank hasn’t finalized their income statements, the ATO can hold your return until all data matches.

✅ Tip: Double-check your income statements, bank interest, and PAYG summaries are marked “Tax ready” in your myGov account before lodging.

2. Incorrect Bank Details

It sounds basic, but even one wrong digit in your BSB or account number can hold up your refund for weeks.

✅ Tip: Make sure the bank details you provide are current, in your own name, and match your ATO profile.

3. Medicare Levy & Exemption Confusion

This is a common delay trigger for international students and temporary residents who claim Medicare Levy Exemption incorrectly or forget to attach their Medicare

Entitlement Statement (MES).

✅ Tip: If you’re not eligible for Medicare, apply for your MES early and attach it to your tax return to avoid delays.

4. Deduction Errors or Missing Receipts

   
   

The ATO increases audit and review checks around deduction claims each October. If your deductions seem unusually high or lack documentation, your refund might be held for manual review.

✅ Tip: Only claim what you can prove. Keep receipts and records for every work-related expense, and use Precent’s expert review to ensure accuracy before submission.

5. ATO Review or Balancing Process

Even if everything is correct, the ATO sometimes randomly reviews returns, especially if:

• You’ve had large income changes this year, or

• You’ve added new deductions.

✅ Tip: Don’t panic. Reviews are routine. Just make sure your documents and details are accurate, and you’ll usually get your refund soon after verification.

Lodge with Confidence

If you’re still waiting or haven’t lodged yet, Precent can help you avoid these issues entirely. Our registered tax agents review, verify, and submit your return securely, so you can get your refund faster and stress-free.

👉 Lodge today with Precent and avoid refund delays!