Handling finances can be confusing, particularly when navigating an overseas tax system. Whether you’re an Aussie expat or a foreign investor in Australia, lodging your tax return on time can support your financial security, help you avoid potential penalties, and bring you peace of mind.
Can you lodge tax return early? Yes, but it’s not that simple.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the two situations where the ATO permits early lodgment, and how they differ from commercial tax refund advance loans offered by third-party providers. We’ll cover the benefits of early filing, available options, steps, and significant considerations to ensure a smooth and efficient tax return process.
It’s important to note that while receiving your tax return early can be beneficial, it’s not always guaranteed. It can be more complex and depends on your specific circumstances. Ready to understand all about early tax returns? Let’s get started.
You may get your tax return early in Australia if you’re ceasing to be a tax resident or a non-resident leaving Australia permanently. In this case, you can lodge your taxes before the standard lodgment period, i.e. 1 July to 31 October.
Another way to get your tax return early is to apply for priority processing if you’re facing financial hardship. Typically, you lodge during the standard lodgment period but get access to your refunds early to support yourself financially.
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Ways to Get an Early Tax Return
The following two methods are the only ways to get an early tax return in Australia.
Ceasing to Be a Tax Resident or Leaving Australia Permanently
If you’re planning on ceasing to be an Aussie tax resident or are leaving Australia permanently, you may be able to get your tax return early. This provision applies to both Australian residents and foreign investors.
You can only file your tax return early if one of these circumstances applies:
- You’re a foreign resident leaving Australia permanently and will no longer derive Australian-sourced income aside from interest, dividends, and royalties.
- You’re an Australian resident leaving Australia, ceasing to be an Australian tax resident, and will no longer earn Australian-sourced income aside from interest, dividends, and royalties.
Refer to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for more information on eligibility for early tax returns. It’s also important to note that processing for early lodgments takes 50 business days, so you should plan accordingly.
Serious Financial Hardship
You may be able to get your tax return early if you’re facing severe financial difficulties. This usually applies when you have no income for the remainder of the financial year. Some situations of serious financial hardship include loss of income sources, severe illness, natural disaster, death of a family member, and other exceptional circumstances.
In this case, you typically lodge your taxes during the standard lodgment period but can apply for priority processing to expedite your tax return. In this case, you’ll receive your return quicker and access your refunds sooner.
It’s crucial to remember that there is no guarantee that you’ll get your tax return early. The ATO handles millions of returns annually, and the processing time can vary due to several factors.
How to Lodge Your Tax Return Early
Knowing the steps and requirements is essential to ensure a smooth process if you qualify to lodge your tax return early.
Lodging Tax Return Early When Leaving Australia
If you haven’t linked the ATO to your myGov account or can’t access it, you’ll need to use the paper tax return form to lodge your tax return early when leaving Australia. If you meet the eligibility criteria, follow these steps to lodge your return early.
- Gather Information: Refer to the latest tax return instructions on the ATO website. Collect payment summaries from all employers and details of other income earned in Australia. If your employer uses Single Touch Payroll, your income statement will be available online in myGov.
- Contact the ATO: Discuss any outstanding debts or previous tax returns with the ATO. You’ll need your Tax File Number (TFN) and the Notice of Assessment from the previous year to verify your identity.
- Prepare Your Tax Return: Consider recent tax law changes and complete the tax return, clearly indicating the correct year.
- Submit Your Return: After completing the tax return, submit it or post it to the ATO at the address on your paper form.
- Receive Your Notice of Assessment (NOA): You’ll receive your NOA at the address on your tax return. Your notice of assessment outlines your tax payable or refund amount. Typically, processing for early lodgments is around 50 business days.
By following these steps, you may settle your Australian tax obligations early for the year.
How to Apply for Priority Processing
If you’re facing financial hardship or urgent circumstances, you can apply for priority processing of your tax return to expedite the process and access refunds faster. Check the ATO website for eligibility confirmation as an Australian expat or investor.
Here are the standard documents you may need to apply for priority processing of your taxes.
- Income: Recent pay slips, employment termination letters, or other income documentation.
- Deductions: Receipts or records for work-related expenses, charitable donations, medical costs, etc.
- Financial Status: Bank statements showing current financial status, debts, and overdue bills.
- Supporting Documents: Medical certificates, insurance claims, death certificates, or other relevant documents.
Before applying for priority processing of your tax return, ensure you have already lodged your return. Check the progress of your return first, as it may be nearly finalised, making a priority request unnecessary.
To be eligible, provide evidence of your current financial circumstances dated within four weeks of submission. Be aware that providing false information is an offence with penalties. Refer to the ATO guidelines on severe hardship or financial difficulties.
The ATO will notify you upon receiving your request and may ask for additional information. Claims may be delayed or denied without proper documentation. Processing may take longer if unresolved issues, tax debt, or information needs verification.
Note that priority processing doesn’t guarantee a tax refund, as the ATO may use any credit to pay outstanding debts with the ATO or other agencies.
Tips for Navigating a Tax Refund Advance in Australia
Many common tax return lodgment mistakes can delay processing or lead to rejection when applying for a tax refund advance. Here are some tips for navigating early tax returns.
- Prepare in Advance: Gather and organise your tax-related documents and information early to facilitate a smooth tax return lodgment process. Necessary documents usually include payment summaries, bank statements, receipts, and other relevant income, expenses, or deductions records.
- Understand Estimated Assessments: In certain situations, the ATO may issue an assessment based on available information. Assessments may occur if you have delayed lodging your tax return or the ATO believes you have a tax liability. By lodging your tax return early, you can prevent an estimated assessment and ensure accurate reporting of your income and deductions.
- Know About Refunds and Payment Obligations: Lodging your tax return early does not necessarily mean receiving your refund earlier. The ATO processes tax returns in the order they are received, and processing times may vary. However, filing early can expedite the process if you anticipate a refund. On the other hand, if you have a tax liability, lodging early provides more time to arrange payment before the due date.
- Claim All Deductions: Take advantage of potential savings by claiming all eligible deductions, such as work expenses, charity donations, and medical costs. Keep detailed records and receipts. For expert advice, consider consulting a tax agent.
If you have a HECS-HELP debt and earn income overseas, the ATO calculates your repayment on worldwide income — your foreign salary counts even as a non-resident. See our full guide on managing your tax return with HECS debt as an expat for a worked example.
- Communicate Promptly: To avoid delays, regularly check your myGov account, email, and postal mail for communications from the ATO. Ensure your contact details are up-to-date, and respond promptly to additional information or clarification requests.
- Take Professional Help: If you prefer professional assistance with your early tax return, engage a registered tax agent such as Odin Tax. These qualified professionals can help you navigate the complexities of the tax system, ensure accurate reporting, and maximise any potential deductions or benefits.
With these tips, your tax journey can be smoother, and you’ll be more likely to succeed in completing your tax return early.
Maximise Your Tax Benefits as an Aussie Expat or Investor
Feeling overwhelmed by the stress of early tax returns? Navigating Australian taxes can be complex, especially from overseas. Being proactive and understanding how to lodge your early tax return in Australia can help you arrange your tax affairs.
Our team at Odin Tax specialises in helping Australian expats and foreign investors manage their tax obligations effortlessly. You’ll receive personalised guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, ensuring your Australian tax matters are handled efficiently and effectively.
Ready to maximise your tax situation? Reach out to our tax expert and free up your time to focus on your other priorities. Let us take the stress out of Australian taxes for you!
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FAQs about Early Tax Return in Australia
Why consider an early tax return?
Tax return planning is an essential part of your financial management. Expats and foreign investors often overlook the benefits of lodging their tax returns early. Here are a few potential benefits.
- Quick Refunds: If you expect a tax refund, filing your return early can help you get your money back sooner. The sooner you file, the sooner the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) can process your return and issue your refund. Quick refunds can be helpful in case you’re in severe financial hardship.
- Settling Tax Affairs Before Your Departure: If you’re leaving Australia, filing your tax return early ensures you settle your tax matters before departure. You can simplify your financial transition and ensure compliance with tax obligations, preventing complications that may arise overseas.
- Applying for Loans or Financial Aid: Some financial institutions or educational institutions may require your tax information when applying for loans, grants, or financial aid. Filing early ensures that you have the necessary documentation available when needed.
- Financial Planning: By filing early, you have a clearer picture of your tax situation, which can be helpful for financial planning purposes. Knowing how much you owe or will receive as a refund can assist in making informed decisions about savings, investments, and other financial matters.
- Peace of Mind: Completing your taxes ahead of the deadline can provide a sense of relief and reduce stress. You won’t have to worry about meeting the tax filing deadline or dealing with the rush closer to the deadline.
- Avoiding Identity Theft and Fraud: Filing your tax return early reduces the risk of someone fraudulently filing a return in your name. Tax-related identity theft has become a concern in recent years, and by filing early, you can beat potential scammers to the punch.
Besides these reasons, filing early also allows you to promptly address any potential issues with your return.
When is the earliest I can file my tax return in Australia?
Typically, the earliest you can file your tax return in Australia is from 1 July of the financial year following the tax year in question.
However, if you qualify for an early tax return, you may file your tax return earlier than 1 July.
Can I file my tax return online in Australia?
Yes, you can file your tax return online using the ATO’s myTax system, which is convenient and fast.
Can I file taxes early in Australia?
Yes, you may file taxes early under specific circumstances, such as leaving Australia, facing financial hardship, or ceasing business operations.
What should I do if I make a mistake on my tax return?
If you’ve made a mistake on your tax return, it’s essential to correct it promptly. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows you to amend your return, which you can do online through your myGov account if you filed electronically or by submitting an amended paper return by mail.
If you’re an Australian expat and need assistance amending your tax return, a registered tax agent can help you navigate the process and ensure everything is appropriately corrected.
What is a tax advance in Australia?
Under certain circumstances, a tax advance allows you to access your anticipated tax refund before the end of the financial year.
What is a tax refund loan advance in Australia?
A tax refund loan advance in Australia allows you to access part of your anticipated tax refund earlier than receiving it from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It’s important to understand that you’re not receiving your refund but a loan based on an estimate of your due date.
Various providers offer different types of tax refund loan advances, including fee-based, interest-based, and visa-specific advances.
What does estimated assessment issue date mean?
The “estimated assessment issue date” you see for taxes in Australia refers to the anticipated date the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will send you your Notice of Assessment (NOA). This document essentially outlines the outcome of your tax return, including:
- Whether you’ll receive a refund or owe a debt.
- The amount of the refund or debt.
- A breakdown of how your tax liability was calculated.
It’s important to note that the estimated assessment issue date is just an estimate and not a guarantee. The actual date your NOA arrives may be sooner or later depending on various factors, such as:
- The complexity of your tax return.
- The workload of the ATO.
- Any outstanding information or verification required from you.
However, having the estimated assessment issue date gives you a general idea of when to expect your NOA, which can be helpful for budgeting and planning purposes.
How do I claim my tax rebate?
Claiming a tax rebate or refund is typically a straightforward process in Australia. Once you have lodged your tax return via myGov, the ATO will calculate your refund and deposit it directly into your bank account.
When is the earliest I can get my tax refund?
The earliest you can lodge your tax return in Australia is 1 July, following the end of the financial year on 30 June. Generally, you can expect your tax refund within a few weeks of lodgment. However, you may receive your tax refund earlier if you qualify for an early tax return.
Is it worth getting professional help for filing a tax return?
If you find the process complex or have unique financial situations, such as filing from overseas, seeking professional help can ensure accuracy and maximise potential refunds. Odin Tax is here to help!
When can I lodge my tax return for 2025-26?
In Australia, you can start lodging your tax return for the 2025-26 financial year from 1 July 2026. The financial year runs from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, and you have until 31 October 2026 to submit your return if you are filing it yourself.
If you use a registered tax agent, you may have more time to lodge, but you need to engage with them before the 31 October deadline to qualify for an extension.
For accurate lodgment, make sure your income details, deductions, and other relevant data are ready before filing.
What is a tax refund advance?
A tax refund advance is a short-term loan offered by tax preparation services or financial institutions based on your expected tax refund. Instead of waiting for the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to process your tax return and issue your refund, you can receive a portion of it upfront, usually within a few days of filing.
Key points about tax refund advances:
- Loan Amount: You typically receive a portion of your expected refund, with the exact amount depending on the provider.
- No Interest or Fees: Some providers offer the advance without interest or fees, but others may charge a fee, so it’s important to check the terms.
- Repayment: The advance is repaid automatically when the ATO processes your tax return and issues your refund.
This option is useful for those who need access to their refund quickly, but it’s important to understand the terms and conditions before applying.
