Every Australian with taxable income above the tax-free threshold needs to lodge a tax return each year with the ATO. For most people, this means using myTax through myGov — the ATO’s online lodgement system. For others, a registered tax agent makes the process simpler and can extend your deadline to May the following year.
This cluster covers everything about lodging your Australian tax return: the deadline, what information you need, how the myTax process works step by step, and specific guides for students, retirees, sole traders, and occupation-specific situations.
How to Lodge
- How to Lodge a Tax Return in Australia — The complete guide: myTax walkthrough, pre-fill, income sources, deductions, and submitting
- myTax Step-by-Step Guide — A screen-by-screen walkthrough of lodging via the ATO’s myTax online tool
- Tax Agent vs myTax — Which Should You Use? — When doing it yourself is fine and when a tax agent pays for itself
- How to Do Your First Ever Tax Return — Everything a first-time lodger needs to know
Deadlines and Timing
- Tax Return Deadline Australia 2025–26 — The 31 October individual deadline, the tax agent extension to May, and what happens if you miss it
- What Happens If You Don’t Lodge a Tax Return? — ATO late lodgement penalties, Failure to Lodge (FTL) notices, and how to catch up
- How Long Does a Tax Refund Take? — ATO processing times for myTax and paper returns, and how to track your refund status
Preparation
- Tax Return Checklist — What You Need — Payment summaries, bank interest, dividend statements, receipts, and rental property records
- ATO Online Services — myGov Account Guide — How to set up myGov, link the ATO, and access your pre-fill data
- ATO Audit Triggers — What Sets Off a Review — The patterns and claims that are most likely to attract ATO scrutiny
After You Lodge
- How Tax Refunds Work in Australia — Why some people get refunds and others have a tax bill, and how the reconciliation works
- Why Is My Tax Refund Smaller This Year? — The most common reasons: LMITO ended, income increased, fewer deductions
- How to Amend a Tax Return — The process for correcting mistakes after lodgement via myTax or an amendment form
Returns for Specific Situations
- Tax Return for Students Australia — Part-time work, the tax-free threshold, study allowances, and HECS-HELP
- Tax Return for Retirees — Super pension income, the SAPTO offset, shares, and term deposit interest
- Tax Return for Sole Traders and Self-Employed — Business income, deductions, depreciation, and the business schedule
- Tax Return for Nurses Australia — Uniform, registration fees, CPD, and work-related deductions specific to nursing
- Tax Return for Teachers Australia — Classroom supplies, professional development, union fees, and home office
- Tax Return for Tradies Australia — Tools, vehicle, protective gear, and site-related deductions
- Tax Return for Working Holiday Makers — The 15% flat rate, the WHM employer declaration, and how to claim a refund
This section provides general tax information. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a registered tax agent. Find one through the Tax Practitioners Board register.