What 'same-day refund' really means
A genuine same-day refund is an advance on your expected refund, not the ATO paying you in a day. Eligible clients can access up to $1,000 on the same day, funded by the registered agent partner, with the remaining balance paid once the ATO finishes processing the lodged return.
It's fast because the advance doesn't wait on the ATO — but eligibility applies, and it isn't offered to everyone or on every return.
What '$0 upfront' means
$0 upfront means you pay nothing today. The fee for preparing and lodging your return is deducted from your refund when it comes through, so there's no out-of-pocket cost to get started.
It's popular because it removes the barrier of paying a fee before you've seen a cent of your refund. You approve the estimate — including the fee — before anything is lodged.
How 'lodged in 7 days' works
Lodgement timing is something the process can control, which is why it can be committed to. Once you've started online and approved your estimate, your return is prepared and lodged with the ATO within 7 days.
After lodgement, the ATO does its own processing. The balance of your refund typically follows within about 7–10 business days, unless the ATO reviews the return.
The step-by-step
The whole thing is built to be done from your phone in a few minutes, then handled for you.
- Start online — enter your basic details and your TFN securely
- A consultant reviews your return against a full deduction checklist
- You get an estimate by email to approve — including any fee
- Your return is lodged, and eligible clients can access a same-day advance
- The balance follows after the ATO processes your return
The honest fine print
So you know exactly where you stand: same-day advances and the amounts available depend on eligibility and aren't guaranteed. The ATO can adjust or hold a refund. If you end up owing money rather than receiving a refund, an advance won't apply. CFM Group connects you with an independent registered tax agent who reviews and lodges your return.
Get your estimate — free, no upfront cost
Start online in minutes. A registered tax agent reviews your return before you approve.
Frequently asked
Is it genuinely same day?
For eligible clients, yes — the advance (up to $1,000) can be arranged the same day. The ATO-paid balance follows after processing. Eligibility applies.
What does $0 upfront actually cost?
Nothing today. The preparation and lodgement fee is taken from your refund, and you approve the full estimate — fee included — before your return is lodged.
What if I owe the ATO instead of getting a refund?
If your return results in an amount owing, a same-day advance won't apply. Your consultant will walk you through the outcome before anything is lodged.
Is my information safe?
Your details, including your TFN, are submitted securely and encrypted. They're used to prepare your return with the registered agent and to give you an accurate estimate.
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.