1 June 2026
How to Read Your ATO Notice of Assessment
Your NOA arrives every year after your tax return is lodged. Here's what each section means and what to do next.
Every year, after your tax agent lodges your return, the ATO sends a Notice of Assessment. It tells you whether you owe money or are getting a refund — but the language can be confusing.
Here's what each section means.
What is a Notice of Assessment?
A Notice of Assessment (NOA) is the ATO's formal statement of your tax position for the financial year. It confirms:
- Your taxable income
- The tax calculated on that income
- Any tax you've already paid (via PAYG withholding or instalments)
- Whether you owe money or are getting a refund
The Key Sections
Income and Deductions
This section shows your total income as assessed by the ATO and the deductions they've accepted. If this differs from what your tax agent lodged, the ATO may have made an adjustment.
Tax Calculation
The ATO applies the relevant tax rates to your taxable income. This is your gross tax liability before any offsets or credits.
Credits and Offsets
Credits include tax already withheld by your employer (shown on your payment summary) and any PAYG instalments you've paid. Offsets reduce your tax directly — common ones include the low income tax offset and the private health insurance rebate.
The Bottom Line
The final figure is either:
- A refund — the ATO will pay this to your nominated bank account, usually within a few days
- An amount owing — you'll need to pay this by the due date shown on the notice
What to Do Next
If you're getting a refund, you don't need to do anything. It will arrive automatically.
If you owe money, pay by the due date to avoid interest charges. You can pay via BPAY using the biller code and reference number on the notice, or through the ATO's online services.
If anything looks incorrect, contact your tax agent before paying. You have the right to object to an assessment within 60 days.
Your accounting practice uses ATOque to process ATO correspondence automatically. If you received this notice via email from your accountant, they've already reviewed it on your behalf.