Notice of Assessment (NOA)
An official ATO document confirming the outcome of your tax return, showing tax payable or refundable.
A Notice of Assessment (NOA) is an official document issued by the ATO after processing your tax return. It summarises your taxable income, tax payable, any offsets applied, Medicare levy, and whether you have a tax debt or are entitled to a refund. The NOA is your proof that your tax return has been assessed.
The NOA is important beyond just tax — lenders often require your most recent NOA as proof of income when applying for a home loan. Centrelink may also request it for income-tested benefits. You should keep your NOAs for at least 5 years (the standard review period), as the ATO can amend assessments within this window.
If you disagree with your NOA, you can request an amendment through myGov or your tax agent, usually within 2 years for individuals (4 years in some cases). You also have the right to object to the assessment and, if unsatisfied, seek external review through the AAT.