• a unique number (usually 9 digits)
• an important part of your identity
• yours for life – you keep your TFN even if you change jobs or name, move interstate or go overseas.

• had any tax taken out (withheld) from income you receive
• had $1 or more of foreign income
• pay or receive child support
• had business or investment income
• are leaving Australia and have a study or training support loan.

Most electronically lodged tax returns are processed within 2 weeks. We process paper tax returns manually and this can take up to 10 weeks.

The quickest and easiest way to check the progress of your tax return is by using our self-help services.

The status of your return may change a number of times as it is processed. If we need more information to finalise your return, we will call you. Calling us will not speed up the processing of your tax return.

If you’ve received notification that your refund has been processed, remember your refund may take up to 5 business days to be in your nominated bank account (depending on your financial institution).

If you need to lodge an amendment, wait until you receive notification that your original tax return or any amendments have been processed.

This will help reduce future processing delays.

There are time limits for lodging an amendment to a tax return. You'll need to lodge an objection if you want to:

• dispute the law
• dispute the facts we have used to come to a decision about your tax affairs (including your income tax assessment)
• lodge an amendment outside of the time limits.

If your amendment reduces the tax you owe, you'll receive a tax refund (unless you have other tax debts). If it increases the tax you owe, we treat the amendment as a voluntary disclosure. Your voluntary disclosure needs to be in an approved form. For an amendment to your tax return the approved form is either:

• an online amendment in ATO online services through myGov
• the paper form 'Request for amendment of income tax return for individuals' a letter.