What Is Notice of Assessment? Understanding Your Tax Notice
- Leonie Martin
- Dec 5
- 6 min read
If you’ve recently filed your tax return in Australia, you may have received a document called a Notice of Assessment. Many taxpayers often ask, “what is a notice of assessment?” or “what is a NOA?” This document is an official communication from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) that confirms your tax return has been processed. Understanding your tax notice of assessment is crucial, as it summarises your taxable income, any tax you owe or refund you’re entitled to, and other important information about your tax account.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a notice of assessment is, its purpose, the information it contains, and why it matters for Australian taxpayers. We’ll also cover common questions such as “what is a tax assessment notice?”, “What’s a notice of assessment?”, and the significance of your NOA.
What Is a Notice of Assessment?
The first question most taxpayers have is, “what is a notice of assessment?” In Australia, a Notice of Assessment is a statement issued by the ATO after your tax return has been processed. It confirms whether the information you provided on your tax return matches the ATO’s calculations. Essentially, it’s a formal acknowledgment of your tax obligations and entitlements for the financial year.
The notice of assessment meaning can be summarised as the ATO’s confirmation of your taxable income, tax credits, deductions, and the total amount of tax you are liable to pay, or the refund you are entitled to receive. Many people receive their notice of assessment through their myGov account, although it can also be posted if you’ve requested a paper copy.
People often ask, “what’s a notice of assessment?” or “what is a notice of assessment?”. The answer is straightforward: it’s the ATO’s official record of how your tax return has been assessed, including any adjustments, offsets, or obligations.
What Is a Tax Assessment Notice?
Another common term is tax assessment notice. Some taxpayers may wonder, “what is a tax assessment notice, and is it the same as a notice of assessment?” The short answer is yes. In Australia, a tax assessment notice and a notice of assessment refer to the same document issued by the ATO.
This notice serves as proof of your income and tax obligations. Whether you call it a NOA or a tax notice of assessment, it contains all the relevant details about your tax assessment for the year, including refunds, payments, or any adjustments made by the ATO.
Occasionally, you may see it misspelt as notice of assesment, but this refers to the same document. Ensuring that you keep your notice of assessment is important for legal and financial purposes.
What Is NOA? Understanding the Abbreviation
Many people in Australia are familiar with the term NOA, but they may not know exactly what it means. NOA stands for Notice of Assessment, which is simply a shorter way of referring to the document issued by the ATO after your tax return has been processed.
Taxpayers often ask “what is NOA?” or “what is a NOA?” The answer is simple: it’s the ATO’s official confirmation of your income, deductions, and tax payable or refundable for the financial year.
How Is the Notice of Assessment Issued?
In Australia, most taxpayers receive their notice of assessment electronically via their myGov account linked to the ATO. Paper copies may be sent by mail if you requested them. Typically, the ATO issues the NOA a few weeks after processing your tax return.
Once you receive your notice of assessment, it’s important to review it carefully. Even if your return was prepared by a registered tax agent, mistakes can occur. The NOA summarises all the key figures and may highlight errors, missing deductions, or adjustments made by the ATO.
What Information Is on a Notice of Assessment?
Your notice of assessment contains several essential details that are important for record-keeping and financial planning. Understanding the notice of assessment meaning will help you manage your finances and avoid surprises. Here’s what you can expect to see:
1. Taxable Income
The NOA confirms your taxable income for the financial year, as assessed by the ATO. This includes all income sources reported on your tax return, such as salary, wages, business income, investments, and government benefits.
2. Tax Payable or Refundable
Your NOA details the total tax payable, any tax credits applied, and the resulting refund or amount you need to pay. This is the figure that determines whether you owe additional tax or are entitled to a refund.
3. Medicare Levy
The notice includes information about your Medicare levy obligation. This is usually calculated as a percentage of your taxable income, unless you qualify for an exemption or reduction.
4. Offsets and Deductions
Any offsets or deductions claimed on your tax return will be listed in your tax notice of assessment. This may include deductions for work-related expenses, education, medical expenses, or donations to charity.
5. PAYG Instalments
If you are required to pay Pay As You Go (PAYG) installments, the NOA will outline your obligations for the following financial year.
6. Account Balances
The NOA will summarise your tax account balance, including any credits or outstanding amounts, and provide payment due dates if applicable.
7. Carryforward Amounts
If you have carryforward deductions, such as capital losses or unused franking credits, the NOA will indicate these amounts for future tax calculations.
Why Your Notice of Assessment Is Important
Understanding what is a notice of assessment is critical because it is the ATO’s official record of your tax return assessment. There are several reasons why your NOA is important:
Proof of Income: Many institutions, including banks and government agencies, may require a copy of your NOA to verify your income.
Record of Tax Paid: The NOA confirms the amount of tax you’ve paid for the financial year, which is useful for budgeting and financial planning.
Eligibility for Government Benefits: Certain government benefits and grants require your most recent NOA as proof of income.
Carryforward Amounts: The NOA records any carryforward deductions or credits, which can be used in future tax years.
Dispute Resolution: If there is an error in your tax return or assessment, the NOA is the document you will reference when requesting corrections or lodging an objection.
Common Questions About the Notice of Assessment
What's a Notice of Assessment?
As mentioned earlier, what's a notice of assessment? It is the ATO’s official statement confirming the outcome of your tax return, including your taxable income, tax owed, or refund.
What Is a Tax Assessment Notice?
A tax assessment notice is the same as a notice of assessment in Australia. It’s the document sent by the ATO after reviewing your tax return, confirming your obligations and entitlements.
What Is NOA?
NOA stands for Notice of Assessment, which is simply a shortened way of referring to the ATO’s official statement regarding your tax return.
What Should You Do If Your Notice of Assessment Is Incorrect?
Mistakes on a notice of assessment can happen, even if you use a tax agent. If you notice discrepancies:
Compare the NOA with your original tax return.
Gather supporting documentation.
Contact the ATO promptly or lodge an amendment to correct the error.
Acting quickly ensures that your tax account remains accurate and prevents penalties or interest charges.
How to Access Your Notice of Assessment in Australia
Most Australians access their NOA through myGov:
Log in to myGov – Use your credentials to access your linked ATO account.
Navigate to ATO Section – Go to the “Tax” or “Activity Statements” section.
View Your NOA – You can download or print the document for your records.
For those who prefer paper copies, the ATO will mail the notice of assessment to the address listed on your tax return.
Digital vs Paper Notice of Assessment
The ATO has increasingly shifted to digital communication, encouraging taxpayers to receive their NOA electronically through myGov. There are several benefits to this:
Immediate Access – Digital NOAs are available as soon as the assessment is processed.
Secure Storage – You can download and save your NOA on your personal device.
Environmentally Friendly – Reduces paper usage and postage costs.
However, some individuals still prefer a paper copy for record-keeping or legal purposes.
Importance of Keeping Your Notice of Assessment
The notice of assessment is not just a piece of paper; it is an important document for both personal finance and legal compliance. Keep your NOA safe for at least five years, as the ATO may request it for:
Audits or reviews
Loan or mortgage applications
Verification of income for social security or government programs
Future tax planning
Conclusion
Understanding what is a notice of assessment is and what a tax assessment notice is is essential for Australian taxpayers. Your NOA is the ATO’s official record confirming your taxable income, tax liabilities, refunds, and other important financial information.
Always review your notice of assessment carefully to ensure accuracy, retain it for future reference, and use it to guide your financial planning. Whether you’re filing your taxes independently or through a registered tax agent, your NOA is a critical document that summarises your tax year and protects your interests.
By familiarising yourself with the notice of assessment meaning, understanding what a notice of assessment is, and knowing how to access your NOA, you can confidently navigate the Australian tax system and ensure your finances are in order.
