Do I need to lodge a tax return?

To help you work out if you need to lodge a tax return for the current and prior income years, you can use our Do I need to lodge a tax return?This link opens in a new window tool.

If you need to check if you can claim a refund of franking credits or need to lodge a tax return, the 2016–17 option will be available 1 July 2017. For now, you can use the 2015–16 option as the rules haven't changed.

If you have a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) or Trade Support Loan (TSL) debt and you are a non-resident for tax purposes, you'll need to declare your worldwide income or lodge a non-lodgment advice. Clients with overseas obligations can do this using our online services via myGov or through a registered Australian tax agent from 1 July 2017.

Our Study and training loan repayment calculator helps you find out your compulsory repayment or overseas levy amounts.

You'll need to lodge if you've made personal superannuation contributions which have exceeded your non-concessional (after tax) cap for the financial year.

If you're unsure if you need to lodge a tax return for earlier years, you can choose from the following links:

• Do I need to lodge a 2012 year tax return?This link opens in a new window
• Do I need to lodge a 2011 year tax return?This link opens in a new window
• Do I need to lodge a 2010 year tax return?This link opens in a new window
• Do I need to lodge a 2009 year tax return?This link opens in a new window
• Do I need to lodge a 2008 year tax return?This link opens in a new window

Note: If you need to lodge a tax return for years prior to 2008 – go to our Prior years individuals tax return forms and schedules and select the relevant year.

See also:

• Overseas obligations