Review Turn Around Times
How reviews and lodgements work
The key principle
Compliance and correct process always take priority over speed.
Reviews are completed based on preparation quality, scope, and queue position - not urgency or client pressure.
Review timeframe
Each round of review takes up to 3 business days.
If a return requires rework, the revised return re-enters the queue and the 3-day timeframe resets.
Example:
A return requiring 3 rounds of review could take 9+ business days in review time alone - plus any time required for you to make corrections between rounds. Returns with ongoing quality or scope issues can take significantly longer.
When a return enters the review queue
A return only enters the queue once it is submitted in a review-ready state.
Review-ready means:
- All workpapers are complete
- All schedules we have provided are used
- All supporting document and justifications have been provided
- The return has been self-reviewed
- Work follows the preparation guidelines in the workpaper and the Knowledgebase
- Work is within the permitted scope of the program
- No material issues or gaps remain unresolved
- Validation errors have been resolved
- Prelodge errors have been resolved
Returns that are not review-ready are sent back for correction and do not hold their place in the queue.
Tip: Explain your work
The more context you provide, the easier it is for the reviewer to follow your workings. Consider adding notes or a short Loom recording to walk through the return - especially for complex items. Returns that are easy to understand get reviewed faster.
How reviews are prioritised
Reviews are completed:
- In queue order
- Based on complexity and preparation quality
- Subject to scope and compliance requirements
Returns requiring rework are removed from the queue and re-enter only after corrections are made.
This means:
- Returns prepared correctly move faster
- Returns requiring multiple revisions take longer
Why review timeframes vary
Review timing depends on:
- Preparation quality
- Complexity (e.g. Div 7A, trusts, restructures)
- Whether rework is required
- Overall queue volume
Review dates cannot be guaranteed until a return has passed review.
Lodgement schedule
Once a return has passed review and been signed, lodgement runs twice weekly:
| Lodgement run | Signed by |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 5:00pm | Monday 5:00pm |
| Friday 5:00pm | Thursday 5:00pm |
Returns that miss a cut-off are lodged in the next scheduled run.
What delays reviews
- Returns not prepared to guidelines
- Work requiring multiple rounds of rework
- Work completed outside the supervision process
- Scope issues (e.g. work requiring supervision submitted after the fact)
How to avoid delays
- Follow the preparation guidelines
- Resolve issues before submission
- Ensure work is within scope
- Submit only when review-ready
Clean, complete, compliant returns move through faster.
Questions?
If you have questions about a return or the review process, please check the WhatsApp group first - most participants are there and others have often worked through similar issues.
You can also find all contact options, including Whatsapp group and meeting bookings, here.
Please do not send direct messages or calls. Use the link above to book a time.
Summary
- Each review round takes up to 3 business days
- Multiple review rounds = multiple 3-day periods
- Lodgement dates are fixed
- Reviews are queue-based
- Quality and compliance come before speed
- Rework resets queue position