What actually decides your refund
A tax refund happens when the tax taken out of your pay during the year is more than the tax you owe on your final taxable income. If too much was withheld, the ATO gives the difference back. If too little was withheld, you get a bill instead.
Three things move the number the most: your total income and how much was withheld, the deductions you're entitled to claim, and any tax offsets that apply to your situation.
- Income & tax withheld — shown on your income statement from each employer
- Deductions — work-related and other expenses that reduce your taxable income
- Offsets — e.g. the low-income tax offset, which directly reduce the tax you pay
- Levies & debts — the Medicare levy, and any HECS/HELP repayments, work the other way
What a 'typical' refund looks like
In recent years the average Australian refund has sat well above $2,000, but averages hide a huge range. A full-time employee with several deductions can see a very different result to a part-year worker or someone with a study loan.
That's why an average is a poor guide to your own return. The only figure that matters is the one calculated on your actual income, withholding and eligible deductions.
What tends to increase a refund
Claiming everything you're legitimately entitled to is the single biggest lever most people leave unpulled. Deductions you forgot, or didn't know applied to your job, quietly shrink refunds every year.
- Work-related deductions correctly claimed (home office, car, tools, uniforms, self-education)
- Deductible expenses with records kept through the year
- Personal super contributions you're eligible to claim
- Prior-year tax agent fees and income-protection premiums
What can shrink it — or turn it into a bill
A few common situations reduce a refund or create an amount owing. Knowing about them early avoids a nasty surprise.
- A HECS/HELP debt that wasn't fully covered by your withholding
- Working two jobs and claiming the tax-free threshold on both
- The Medicare levy surcharge if you don't hold eligible private health cover
- Untaxed income (investments, crypto, side income) added to your return
The easiest way to get an accurate estimate
Rather than guessing, you can start online in a few minutes. A consultant reviews your details against a full deduction checklist, then emails you an estimate to approve before anything is lodged.
Because CFM Group connects you with an independent registered tax agent, your return gets a proper review — not an automatic number from a form. You see the estimate first, and only approve when you're happy.
Get your estimate — free, no upfront cost
Start online in minutes. A registered tax agent reviews your return before you approve.
Frequently asked
When will I get my refund after lodging?
Once your return is lodged, the ATO generally processes electronic returns within about two weeks. Same-day and advance options may be available to eligible clients — your consultant will confirm what applies to you.
Can I really get my refund the same day?
Eligible clients can access an advance of up to $1,000 on the same day, funded by the registered agent partner, with the balance following after the ATO processes the return. Eligibility applies and it isn't available to everyone.
Is the estimate free?
Yes. You can start online and receive an estimate to review at no upfront cost. You only proceed once you approve it.
Does a higher income mean a bigger refund?
Not necessarily. A refund is about the gap between tax withheld and tax owed — someone on a lower income with strong deductions can receive more back than a higher earner with none.
This guide is general information only and does not take your personal circumstances into account, so it isn't tax advice. CFM Group is a referral service that connects you with an independent registered Australian tax agent who reviews and lodges your return. Always confirm your own situation with the ATO or your tax agent.