For business activity statements (BAS) lodged from 1 July 2025, the ATO will now have 30 days—up from 14—to notify taxpayers if a BAS refund is retained for further verification. This extension applies to high-risk BAS refunds, allowing the ATO extra time to confirm the information reported before releasing the refund.

If taxpayers are not notified within 30 days, the ATO will automatically release the refund on day 31. The ATO will continue to process BAS refunds as quickly as possible and pay interest on any legitimate refunds retained beyond 14 days.

Additionally, the ATO has provided practical BAS tips to help businesses plan ahead and simplify future lodgements.

Please contact us directly if you need any help with this.