Overview
Your tax return is how you tell us your annual income so we can work out how much tax is payable. We use the information you provide to work out the amount of your tax refund or tax debt. If you have paid too much tax and are entitled to a refund, lodging a tax return is the way you get this money back. Not everyone needs to lodge a tax return, but if you do, you need to lodge it on time.
Do you need to lodge a tax return?
Most people need to lodge a tax return each year - but there are some exceptions. If you had any tax taken from any payment you received, you almost certainly need to lodge a tax return.
Working holidaymakers who visit Australia must lodge a tax return if they've been paid a salary or wages in Australia.
If you are managing the estate of someone who died during the financial year, you need to work out if they would have needed to lodge a tax return if they were alive. If so, you need to lodge a tax return on their behalf.
Information you need to prepare your tax return
To complete your tax return you will need the financial documents you have received or records you have kept during the year, and a tax file number.
If you are using e-tax, you can download some of your information using our pre-filling service.
How to lodge your tax return
You can prepare and lodge your tax return online, by mail or by using a registered tax agent. Some people with simple tax affairs may be eligible to lodge by telephone.
When to lodge your tax return
You have until 31 October to lodge your tax return. If you use a registered tax agent, you can lodge later than 31 October, but you need to be registered as a client before 31 October to qualify.
Getting help
To get help preparing and lodging your tax return, you can engage a registered tax agent, contact a community volunteer through Tax Help or ask a family member or friend to help you. Alternatively you can contact the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) by phone, or at one of our shopfronts.
After you lodge - assessment, refunds and payments
We will process your tax return and issue your notice of assessment that shows the details of your tax refund or your tax bill. This usually happens within 12 business days depending on if you lodge electronically or 42 if you lodge by mail.
You should check your notice of assessment and tell us if it's not correct.
What happens if you don't lodge?
We may apply a failure to lodge on time penalty if you lodge your tax return late. However, it's our policy not to apply a penalty if your tax return is lodged voluntarily, and does not result in any tax payable. In some cases we will issue default assessment if you do not lodge on time.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 7 November 2012