Get Your Tax Refund Faster in 2025 – ITP Accounting Experts

Imagine this: you’ve done your end-of-year numbers, hit “Lodge”, and now you’re just waiting for your refund. It’s like ordering pizza and watching the delivery tracker. You know it’s coming, but you just want it sooner. Well, good news: getting your refund faster isn’t a myth. With a few smart moves, you can speed up your ATO tax refund and dodge common delays.

Here’s a quick overview of what this blog covers:

Learn how to get your 2025 tax refund faster with smart, ATO-approved tips.
Avoid common refund delays caused by early lodgement, wrong details, or missing info.
Lodge electronically via myTax or a registered tax agent for quicker processing.
Wait for pre-fill data before lodging to prevent ATO reviews.
Keep accurate records and realistic deductions to avoid manual checks.
Check for debts or offsets that may reduce or delay your refund.
Use direct deposit and ensure your bank details are correct.
Lodging slightly after the early-July rush can speed up turnaround.
Regular record-keeping helps ensure accuracy and faster lodgement

Why does refund speed even matter?

For many Australians, a tax refund is more than just a nice surprise. It’s a way to top up savings, pay off a bill, or even plan a little trip away. But waiting weeks or months? Not ideal. According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), most online lodgements are processed within about 10 business days, provided everything checks out.

Getting your refund promptly means less stress, more control, and no surprise letters from the ATO about “further verification.”

What can slow down your refund?

Before we dive into how to speed things up, it’s worth knowing what holds many refunds back.

Incorrect or missing information
If your bank details, Tax File Number (TFN), or personal details don’t match ATO records, your refund might get delayed.
Lodging too early or before pre-fill data is available
The ATO doesn’t always have all data ready on July 1. Employer income, bank interest, and dividends are uploaded gradually. Lodging too early can cause delays or errors.
Outstanding debts or offsets
If you owe money to the ATO, have a HECS-HELP balance, or a Centrelink overpayment, your refund may be used to pay those first.
Complex claims or high-risk deductions
Large or unusual claims such as big work-from-home deductions or multiple investment properties can trigger a manual review by the ATO. That means a slower refund.

How to get your refund faster: 7 expert tips

1. Lodge electronically via myTax or your tax agent

The fastest and safest method is online lodgement. According to the ATO, electronically lodged returns are processed much faster than paper ones.

Pro Tax Tip: A registered tax agent can ensure your return is accurate, compliant, and optimised for a quick refund especially if your finances are a bit complex.

2. Wait for your pre-fill data

Hold off until your myGov account shows pre-filled data such as PAYG income, bank interest, and private health information. Lodging too soon can trigger delays or errors in your return.

3. Double-check your details before you lodge

It sounds basic, but a mistyped BSB or bank account number can hold your refund hostage. Make sure your name, address, and TFN exactly match what’s in the ATO’s system.

4. Keep your deduction records tidy and legitimate

If you’re claiming deductions, especially for working from home, car use, or rental property, keep records such as receipts, bills, and logbooks. The ATO has increased scrutiny on inflated deductions.

Example: If you use the fixed-rate method for home office expenses (at 67 cents per hour), you need to record the number of hours worked and retain relevant bills.

5. Be aware of debts or offsets

If you’ve got a HECS or Centrelink debt, your refund might be reduced or delayed while the balance is adjusted. You can check any outstanding amounts on MyGov or directly through Services Australia.

6. Don’t exaggerate or guess your claims

Over-claiming deductions (or “rounding up” figures) is a fast track to ATO review. Keep it honest. The ATO uses data-matching tools to spot inconsistencies between your employer, banks, and financial institutions .

Honest and accurate = fewer flags = faster refund. Simple.

7. Choose the right timing and avoid the rush

While you can lodge on 1 July, it’s often better to wait until mid-July when pre-fill data is mostly complete. Lodging too early can actually delay processing. Plus, early July is a high-volume period. Expect a slower turnaround if you’re in a rush.

Real-life example

Let’s say Jordan, a full-time employee in Sydney:

Income for FY24: $80,000
Tax withheld: $15,000
Work-from-home claim: $300

Jordan lodges via a tax agent on 25 July, once all data is pre-filled. Because the return is accurate and claims are legitimate, his refund lands within 10 business days.

Now compare Casey, who lodges on 1 July, before employer data is uploaded, and accidentally mistypes her bank number. The return shows “Processing” to “Balancing account” for nearly a month.

Moral of the story? Timing + accuracy = faster cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the ATO take to process refunds in 2025?

The ATO aims to process most electronic returns within 10 business days, though complex claims or debt offsets can take longer .

Is lodging early better?

Not always. The ATO warns that lodging before all information is pre-filled can result in missing data and longer processing times.

What if I owe money to Centrelink or ATO?

The refund may be used to offset that debt first (Services Australia explains how this works).

Do big deductions mean a faster refund?

Nope. Large or unusual claims can slow things down while the ATO verifies the data. Accuracy is key.

Wrap-up & What to Do Next

Getting your tax refund faster in 2025 is all about preparation, precision, and patience. Think of it like a smooth freeway. The fewer potholes (errors), the faster you’ll get to your destination.

Here’s your quick checklist:

Wait for pre-fill data
Lodge electronically
Double-check all personal details
Keep deductions realistic and recorded
Watch for HECS or Centrelink offsets
Use a registered tax agent for complex returns

If you’d like expert support to ensure your 2025 return is correct and processed quickly, the team at ITP Accounting Professionals is ready to help. We’ll guide you through every step, maximise your deductions, and get your refund in your account sooner.

How to Get Your Tax Refund Faster in 2025