The tax refund process in Australia can seem complex, but understanding the basics helps you navigate it effectively. A tax refund is essentially the return of your own money that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has held throughout the financial year. In Australia, the tax year runs from 1 July to 30 June. When you pay more tax through PAYG (Pay As You Go) withholding than you actually owe, the ATO refunds you the difference after you lodge your tax return.