What happens after you lodge your tax return

Published: 17 August 2026

What happens after you’ve lodged your tax return depends on your circumstances.

After you lodge your tax return, and it’s been processed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), you may:

  • get a refund or tax bill from the ATO
  • need to wait for us to balance your Family Tax Benefit or Child Care Subsidy
  • get a new child support assessment
  • have your tax refund or top up used to pay back a debt.

Find out more about what happens after you lodge based on your circumstances.

Page last updated: 17 August 2026.
QC 83035