myTax is the ATO’s free online tax lodgement tool, available through myGov. For most Australian individuals with straightforward returns, it is the simplest and fastest way to lodge. The system pre-fills large amounts of your information automatically and guides you through each section.
Before You Start — Prerequisites
- myGov account linked to the ATO. If you do not have this set up, see ATO Online Services Setup Guide.
- Income statements finalised — your employer should have finalised your income statement by 14 August. You can check its status in the ATO’s online services.
- Records on hand — receipts and records for any deductions you plan to claim.
Step 1 — Accessing myTax
- Go to my.gov.au and sign in
- Select ATO online services from your linked services dashboard
- Select Tax → Lodge → Prepare return
- Confirm the income year you are lodging for
Step 2 — Personal Details and Residency
myTax asks you to confirm your:
- Residential address
- Tax residency status (Australian resident, foreign resident, or working holiday maker)
- Whether you were in Australia for the full year or part of it
If you moved to or from Australia during the year, mark the relevant dates — this affects which income is assessable and whether the full-year rates apply.
Step 3 — Income
Employment income (pre-filled): Your employer’s income statement data — gross wages and tax withheld — should appear pre-filled. Check this against your payslip or the income statement visible in myGov. If there are discrepancies, contact your employer before lodging.
Other income sources to add:
- Interest (usually pre-filled from banks — verify amounts)
- Dividends (usually pre-filled — verify each dividend and franking credit)
- Government payments (Centrelink payments pre-fill from Services Australia)
- Rental income — enter using the rental schedule
- Capital gains — enter each event (shares sold, property sold, crypto disposed)
- Foreign income — enter in AUD converted at the date of receipt
- Business or sole trader income — enter using the business schedule
HECS-HELP: myTax calculates your compulsory repayment if you declare you have a HELP/VSL debt. Confirm or update your HELP balance.
Step 4 — Deductions
Work through each deduction category:
Work-related deductions:
- Car expenses — choose logbook or cents-per-km method
- Travel (not home-to-work) — overnight work travel, accommodation, meals
- Clothing and laundry — occupation-specific uniform, protective clothing
- Self-education — courses that maintain/improve skills for your current role
- Other work-related — tools, phone, union fees, professional memberships, WFH expenses
Home office:
- If using the fixed rate method (67c/hour), enter total hours × 0.67
- If using the actual cost method, enter the calculated deductible amount
Other deductions:
- Gifts and donations to DGRs
- Income protection insurance
- Tax agent fees (from prior year’s return)
- Investment-related expenses
For each item, you need to be able to substantiate the amount with a record. You do not upload receipts with the return but must keep them five years.
Step 5 — Tax Offsets
Most offsets apply automatically based on your income:
- LITO — calculated by myTax if your income is below $66,667
- SAPTO — if you are eligible (Age Pension age, below income thresholds), myTax applies it
You manually enter:
- Private health insurance details (insurer, membership number, days covered) — to claim the rebate or confirm cover to avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge
- Foreign income tax offset — if you paid tax overseas on income declared in this return
Step 6 — Medicare
myTax calculates the Medicare levy (2%) automatically.
You are asked:
- Whether you are exempt (limited circumstances)
- Whether you qualify for the low-income reduction
- Whether you had private hospital cover (for Medicare Levy Surcharge assessment)
Step 7 — Bank Account for Refund
Enter your BSB and account number for direct deposit of any refund. myTax accepts Australian bank accounts only. If you have a tax bill instead of a refund, the payment due date appears on your Notice of Assessment.
Step 8 — Review and Submit
A summary page shows your calculated tax position — the estimated refund or amount owing. Review all figures before submitting. Once you are satisfied:
- Read and accept the declaration
- Select Submit
- Note the lodgement receipt number — save this for your records
After Submission
- You will receive a Notice of Assessment via myGov within approximately 2 weeks
- Refunds are deposited within the same timeframe
- You can track progress via ATO online services under “Tax → Lodgements”
Tips for a Smoother myTax Experience
- Lodge after 14 August when income statements are finalised — reduces amendment risk
- Check every pre-filled item — do not assume it is correct
- If you have rental property or capital gains, allow extra time — these sections are more detailed
- Save progress as you go using the “Save as draft” option
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save my return and finish it later? Yes. myTax has a “Save as draft” feature. Your progress is saved and you can return to it later by logging back into myGov and ATO online services.
What if myTax is missing an income source? Add it manually. You are responsible for your return’s completeness regardless of pre-fill. Use the “Add/edit” option in each income section.
Can I lodge on mobile? Yes. myTax is mobile-responsive and works on smartphones and tablets via the myGov app or browser.
What if I disagree with the ATO’s assessment after lodging? You can object to an assessment within 60 days of the Notice of Assessment being issued. You can also request an amendment directly in myTax within two years.
This article provides general tax information. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a registered tax agent. Find one through the Tax Practitioners Board register.