Understanding Your Notice of Assessment (NOA)

After you’ve lodged your tax return, the next thing you’ll receive from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is your Notice of Assessment (NOA). This document confirms the result of your tax return — whether you’re getting a refund or need to pay more tax.

What’s Included in Your NOA

Your NOA provides a summary of how the ATO has assessed your tax return. Here’s what you’ll typically see:

• Taxable income & tax payable – your total income for the year and the tax you owe based on that income

• Credits & payments – any tax already paid or withheld by your employer throughout the year

• Refund or amount owing – the final outcome: how much you’ll get back or still need to pay, including the due date for any balance

• Private health insurance adjustments – reductions or rebates applied if you had private health cover

• Tax receipt – a breakdown showing how your taxes are used across government services

How You’ll Receive It

If you lodge your tax return online (either through myTax or a registered tax agent), your NOA will usually be delivered to your myGov account within about two weeks. Paper returns can take significantly longer — often up to 10 weeks. If you're not linked to myGov, the ATO will send it by post.

Why It Matters

Think of your NOA as a tax “report card.” It doesn’t just confirm whether you owe money or are due a refund — it also serves as proof of income for things like loan applications, government benefits, and even future tax returns. Keep a copy for at least five years.

What You Should Do

Once you receive your NOA, take a moment to:

• Check the details are correct (income, deductions, bank details, etc.)

• Review the final result and note any amount owing or refund due

• Pay any tax owed by the due date listed

• Contact the ATO or your tax agent if anything doesn’t look right

The Notice of Assessment is a key part of your tax journey. By understanding what’s in it and what it means for you, you’ll be better prepared not just for tax time, but for managing your finances year-round.

If you're unsure about anything on your NOA, don’t hesitate to reach out!