Lodging your tax return can fill you with anxiety. You only do it once a year so it’s only natural to wonder…
“Have I done it right?”
“How long will my refund take?”
Then, you check your account and see a status that makes no sense. So, what does this mean?!
Here’s your simple guide to tracking your return, understanding what each status means, and what to do if things hit a delay.
🔄 1. Understanding your ATO Tax Return Status
As your tax return moves through processing, you might see these statuses:
| Status | What it means |
| In progress – Processing | ATO has received your return and is working on it, or it’s almost done and the notice of assessment is about to be issued. |
| In progress – Balancing account | ATO is reconciling your return with its accounts and other agencies—this may affect your refund or amount owing. |
| In progress – Information pending | ATO is gathering additional info (e.g., private health, employer, or bank data) before finalising. They will contact you if needed. |
| In progress – Under review | Your return is under manual review to ensure everything is correct. You might hear from ATO during this stage. |
| Issued – Dollar amount / Nil | Processing is complete. Your notice of assessment has issued, showing refund or debt owed information. |
➕ Occasionally, your lodgement may note “Extra processing time required”—this flags that your return needs extra checking before completion and may delay a refund.
See “Cancelled transaction on your income tax account”? This doesn’t mean your return is rejected—it’s likely under review. Your lodgement may vanish temporarily (24–48 hours)—don’t lodge again.
⏳ 2. Why Might Your Tax Return Be Delayed?
Most online returns are processed within 2 weeks, but may take up to 30 calendar days if manual checks are needed.
Common causes for delays include:
- Lodging multiple returns or amendments simultaneously
- Filing again before your original submission is finalised
- You’re under insolvency administration (e.g. bankruptcy)
- Outdated or wrong bank account details
- ATO needs to verify information with employers, banks, private health insurers or Services Australia
- You owe tax or have previous debt with ATO
- Returned flagged as cancelled temporarily during internal review
If you’re experiencing severe financial hardship, you may qualify for priority processing—you’ll need to provide evidence to ATO directly.
📩 3. Communication: What you will (and won’t) be asked for
The ATO or One Click Life may send you an email or SMS to let you know about delays or that your refund is ready. However, we will never ask you to reply via SMS or email with personal details like your TFN or banking info.
💡 4. Pro Tips to Smooth the Process
- Don’t lodge too early. Wait until your pre-filled data is flagged “taxready”. Otherwise, your return may be flagged for extra processing if there is a mismatch on new data that the ATO receive about you.
- Doublecheck your banking details. Log into your One Click Life account & check your bank account details – Incorrect information can delay your refund.
- Keep evidence of deductions. Especially for work-from-home claims. ATO scrutinises these, and missing records can lead to delays or disputes. You can now upload your receipts straight to your One Click Life account! Simply take a photo of the receipt & One Click Life will add it directly to your lodgement. 😊
🚀5. How to Check Your Tax Return Progress – One Click Life
Simply log back into your One Click Life account and use our refund tracker to keep an eye on where your refund is up to.
✅ Final Takeaway
Understanding the status labels helps you know exactly where your return is in the pipeline. Most things wrap up in a fortnight—but delays can happen for good reasons, and patience works best.
If you’re still stuck after 30 days, or facing financial hardship, reach out to the team at One Click Life through your dashboard inbox or by calling 1300 707 117 for help.