What Is a Tax Return?
Each financial year (1 July to 30 June), most Australians who earn an income are required to lodge a tax return with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Your tax return is a declaration of your income, deductions, and other relevant financial information. The ATO uses it to calculate whether you owe additional tax or are entitled to a refund.
Do You Need to Lodge?
Not everyone needs to lodge a tax return. You may not need to if your income was below the tax-free threshold and you had no tax withheld. However, even if you're not required to lodge, it can be worth doing so if you had tax withheld from your pay — you may be eligible for a refund. When in doubt, use the ATO's online tool "Do I need to lodge a tax return?" on their website.
Key Deadlines
| Who You Are | Lodgement Deadline |
|---|---|
| Individuals lodging online (myTax) | 31 October |
| Using a registered tax agent | May extend to 15 May the following year (confirm with your agent) |
| Sole traders and businesses | 31 October (or via tax agent) |
How to Lodge Using myTax
myTax is the ATO's free online tax lodgement tool, accessible through your myGov account. It's the simplest way for most individuals to lodge.
- Log in to myGov and go to the ATO service.
- Select "Prepare return" under the Tax menu.
- Review pre-filled information – The ATO pre-fills data from employers, banks, and government agencies. Always check this information is correct.
- Add any missing income – Include income from rental properties, investments, or side work.
- Claim your deductions – Enter work-related expenses, charitable donations, and other eligible deductions.
- Review and submit – Check your return carefully before submitting. Refunds are typically processed within two weeks for online lodgements.
Common Deductions You May Be Able to Claim
- Work-related expenses: Tools, uniforms, protective clothing, union fees
- Home office costs: If you worked from home, a portion of electricity, internet, and office supplies
- Self-education: Courses directly related to your current job
- Vehicle and travel: Work-related car use (keep a logbook)
- Charitable donations: Donations of $2 or more to registered deductible gift recipients (DGRs)
Note: You generally need to have incurred the expense yourself, it must be directly related to earning your income, and you need a record (receipt) to claim it.
Using a Registered Tax Agent
If your tax situation is complex — for example, you own investment properties, run a business, or have foreign income — consider using a registered tax agent. They can offer advice, maximise legitimate deductions, and extend your lodgement deadline. Always verify your agent is registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) before engaging them.
After You Lodge
Once you've lodged, you can track the progress of your return through myGov. If the ATO has questions, they will contact you. Keep records of your income and expenses for at least five years after lodgement.